What is the disproportionation reaction of #MgCl#?

1 Answer
Jun 20, 2016

There is no disproportionation reaction.

Explanation:

Magnesium has only two oxidation numbers: 0 and +2.

Hence, there is no such compound as #"MgCl"#, in which #"Mg"# would have an oxidation number of +1.

Even if you meant #"MgCl"_2#, it still wouldn’t disproportionate.

In a disproportionation reaction, #"Mg(+2)"# could be reduced to #"Mg(0)"#, but it would also have to be oxidized to some higher oxidation number, and such a number does not exist.

Therefore, there is no disproportionation reaction.