Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Paul D on 03/02/2006 15:21:43

Title: Chlorate reaction equation
Post by: Paul D on 03/02/2006 15:21:43

Hi all,

this is my first post on the forum so i hope somebody out there can help me.

I have a reaction mixture of NaClO3 + NaCl + NaIO3 in mildly acidic conditions (pH 6)that gives off Cl2.  Can anybody find an appropriate equation for this reaction.  I have busted my gut for the past 2 weeks without success.

Title: Re: Chlorate reaction equation
Post by: rafale on 05/02/2006 15:24:02

Im sorry I cannot imagine the reaction product from this.
What acid did you use? Are you sure it is Cl2 that is given off?

some points:
-NaCl is an ionic bond hard to break.
-The bond between oxygen and iodine is more polar than with chlorine,
electronegativities:
O(3.44), Cl(3.16), I(2.66)
O - Cl = 3.44 - 3.16 = 0.28
O - I  = 3.44 - 2.66 = 0.78

It could be chlorine or oxygen that is released.

Title: Re: Chlorate reaction equation
Post by: Paul D on 06/02/2006 09:08:07

Yes it is definitely chlorine and I can use any acid nitric hydrochloric or sulphuric.

Title: Re: Chlorate reaction equation
Post by: wim on 06/02/2006 19:08:59

are you sure this is one balanced reaction because from looking at the used products it makes me think of the preparation of NaClO3 , could it be that the acid is making this process reversing because of the acid? I don't think so, this reaction seems unlikely!

NaClO3 preparation
Na+  +  Cl-  elektrolyse gives:
                               -Na(solid) + H20 gives NaOH
                               - NaOH + Cl2(elektrolyse)            
                                 gives NaCLO(high T) gives NaClO3

and if what you say is true then surely the I2 would come free before the Chloride because of elektronegativity

grtz

Title: Re: Chlorate reaction equation
Post by: rafale on 06/02/2006 23:17:07

I think I found something for you:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorine_dioxide
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_chlorate

hope it helps.

Title: Re: Chlorate reaction equation
Post by: Paul D on 07/02/2006 09:02:44

Yes I think that might be it, thanks