Question 16
Why does the following reaction occur ?
XeO4– 6(aq) + 2F – (aq) + 6H + (aq) → XeO3(g) + F2(g) + 3H2O(l)
What conclusion about the compound Na4XeO6 (of which XeO4– 6 is a part) can be drawn from the reaction.
The given reaction occurs because XeO4– 6 oxidises F- and F- reduces XeO4-6.
In this reaction, the oxidation number (O.N.) of Xe decreases from +8 in XeO4– 6 to +6 in XeO3 and the O.N. of F increases from -1 in F- to O in F2.
Hence, we can conclude that is a stronger oxidising agent than F-.
