In the reaction I2 + 10 HNO3 → HIO3 + 10 NO2 + 4 H2O, iodine acts as which of the following?

Prepare for the Plovdiv Entrance Exam. Equip yourself with comprehensive study materials, including multiple choice questions and flashcards. Ensure success in your examination!

Multiple Choice

In the reaction I2 + 10 HNO3 → HIO3 + 10 NO2 + 4 H2O, iodine acts as which of the following?

Redox chemistry is the idea here: who donates electrons and who accepts them. Iodine starts with an oxidation state of 0 in I2 and ends up at +7 in HIO3, so it is oxidized (loses electrons). The species that is oxidized acts as the reductant. Nitrogen, meanwhile, goes from +5 in HNO3 to +4 in NO2, so it is reduced (gains electrons). That means the oxidant is the nitric acid derivative, while iodine is the one giving electrons to nitrogen. Therefore, iodine is a reductant and it reduces nitrogen.

Redox chemistry is the idea here: who donates electrons and who accepts them. Iodine starts with an oxidation state of 0 in I2 and ends up at +7 in HIO3, so it is oxidized (loses electrons). The species that is oxidized acts as the reductant. Nitrogen, meanwhile, goes from +5 in HNO3 to +4 in NO2, so it is reduced (gains electrons). That means the oxidant is the nitric acid derivative, while iodine is the one giving electrons to nitrogen. Therefore, iodine is a reductant and it reduces nitrogen.

More practice questions