Disproportionation
Disproportionation reactions
- A disproportionation reaction is a reaction in which the same species is simultaneously oxidised and reduced
Example of a disproportion reaction in which the same species (chlorine in this case) has been both oxidised and reduced
Worked example
Balancing disproportionation reactions
Balance the disproportionation reaction which takes place when chlorine is added to hot concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxideThe products are Cl- and ClO3- ions and water
Answer
Step 1: Write the unbalanced equation and identify the atoms that change in oxidation number:
Step 2: Deduce the oxidation number changes:
Step 3: Balance the oxidation number changes:
Step 4: Balance the charges
Step 5: Balance the atoms
