Finding the Oxident

[577455]

Find the Oxident in the following reaction.
4VO^(2+)(aq) + O2(g) + 2H2O(l)

4VO2^(+)(aq) + 4H+(aq)

VO2+
H2O
O2

VO^(2+)

I chose VO^(2+) because I thought V would have to gain an electron to get a less negative charge in the products.
4VO^(2+) ----------------> 4VO2^(+)
[4x O(-2)= -8] [4x O(-2)=-8]
[4V-8=2] [4V-8=1]
[V=10/4] [V=9/4]
I saw that V here had to have a smaller + charge in the products which means electrons are gained and that means V is reduced, making it a oxident. I know I may not be completely right with this but thats how I was thinking about it.

I understand how the right answer is O2 given that O2 has a zero charge and has a -2 charge in the products, meaning electrons are gained so it is an oxident. Why not V tho?

Please help.

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[DAT Destroyer]

Find the Oxident in the following reaction.
4VO^(2+)(aq) + O2(g) + 2H2O(l)

4VO2^(+)(aq) + 4H+(aq)

VO2+
H2O
O2

VO^(2+)

I chose VO^(2+) because I thought V would have to gain an electron to get a less negative charge in the products.
4VO^(2+) ----------------> 4VO2^(+)
[4x O(-2)= -8] [4x O(-2)=-8]
[4V-8=2] [4V-8=1]
[V=10/4] [V=9/4]
I saw that V here had to have a smaller + charge in the products which means electrons are gained and that means V is reduced, making it a oxident. I know I may not be completely right with this but thats how I was thinking about it.

I understand how the right answer is O2 given that O2 has a zero charge and has a -2 charge in the products, meaning electrons are gained so it is an oxident. Why not V tho?

Please help.

Vanadium is +2 in VO and +4 in VO2........this increase represents an oxidation.....hence V +2 is a reducing agent or reductant.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Romano

 

[577455]

Vanadium is +2 in VO and +4 in VO2........this increase represents an oxidation.....hence V +2 is a reducing agent or reductant.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Romano

I can see how it works out as a reductant in your scenario, but doesn't the over all charge given in the question affect it?

4VO (over all 2+) and in 4VO2 (over all +1)

 

[schmoob]

The equation is not in equilibrium. Your agents will be on the reactant side.