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What is the change of the oxidation number arsenic in the following reaction

2HNO3 +3H3AsO3 + 2NO + 3HAsO3 + H2O

User Dsg
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5 votes

Answer:

Δ oxidation state of Arsenic per mole As = 2 electrons lost by oxidation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reaction as given should be written as...

2HNO₃ + 3H₃AsO₃ => 2NO + 3HAsO₃ + 4H₂O ... (Need 4H₂O to balance in acidic medium)

As in H₃AsO₃ = +3

As in HAsO₃ = +5

As⁺³ => As⁺⁵ + 2e⁻

∴ Δ oxidation state = 2 electrons lost by oxidation.

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Overall Rxn has 6e⁻ gained by reduction process along with 6e⁻ lost by oxidation process...

2HNO₃ + 2(3e⁻) => 2NO + 4H₂O

3H₃AsO₃ => 3HAsO₃ + 3(2e⁻)

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2HNO₃ + 3H₃AsO₃ => 2NO + 3HAsO₃ + 4H₂O

User Kevin Hopps
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