Disproportionation Reactions (Edexcel International A Level (IAL) Chemistry): Revision Note

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