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.