Question

An `Fe^(2+)` salt is oxidized by elemental chlorine. What occurs to chlorine in this reaction?

`"A. Chlorine is oxidized;"`
`"B. Chlorine is reduced;"`
`"C. Chlorine disproportionates;"`
`"D. Chlorine is neither oxidized nor reduced."`

Answer 1

`"Option B"`

Explanation:

Formally, reduction is the GAIN of electrons, and a net DECREASE in oxidation number........

Dichlorine oxidizes the `Fe(II)` centre to `Fe(III)`, but is itself REDUCED in the process, as it is conceived to accept electrons from the iron centre.

`stackrel(0)Cl_2+2e^(-)rarr2stackrel(-I)Cl`

The zerovalent element is reduced to the univalent anion.........