Cl2 + OH^- -> Cl^- + ClO3^-. What is the coefficient for OH^- when this equation is balanced with th — Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Chemistry Question
Question
Cl2 + OH^- -> Cl^- + ClO3^-. What is the coefficient for OH^- when this equation is balanced with the smallest integer coefficients?
Answer: D
💡 Solution & Explanation
Step 1: This represents the disproportionation of chlorine in hot concentrated alkaline medium to form chloride and chlorate. Step 2: Write balanced half-reactions or use oxidation state changes to balance: 3 Cl2 + 6 OH^- ---> 5 Cl^- + ClO3^- + 3 H2O. This keeps all atoms and charges balanced with the smallest possible integers. Step 3: The coefficient of OH^- in the balanced chemical equation is 6, which matches option (d).
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