Question

Consider the reaction of water with `F_(2)` and suggest , in terms of oxidation and reduction, which species are oxidised /reduced ?

Answer 1

`underset("Oxidant")(2Fe_(2)(g))+ underset("Reductant")(2H_(2)O(l))to O_(2)(g) + 4H^(+)(aq) + 4F^(-)(aq)`
or `underset("Oxidant")(3Fe_(2)(g))+ underset("Reductant")(3H_(2)O(l)) to O_(3)(g) + 6H^(+)(aq) + 6F^(-)(aq)`
In these reactions, water acts as a reducing agent and hence itself gets oxidised to either `O_(2)` or `O_(3)` while `F_(2)` acts as an oxidising agent and hence is itself reduced to `F^(-)` ion.