Ncert Exercises & Solutions

8.16 Why does the following reaction occur ?

XeO64– (aq) + 2F– (aq) + 6H+(aq) → XeO3(g)+ F2(g) + 3H2O(l)

What conclusion about the compound Na4XeO6 (of which XeO64– is a part) can be drawn from the reaction.

The given reaction occurs because

{XeO}_{6}^{4 -}

oxidises

F^{-} and F^{-}

\overset{+ 8}{X} e O_{6 (a q)}^{4 -} + 2 {F^{- 1}}_{(a q)} + 6 {H^{+}}_{(a q)} \to \overset{+ 6}{X} e O_{3 (g)} + {\overset{0}{F}}_{2 (g)} + 3 H_{2} O_{(l)}

reduces

{XeO}_{6}^{4 -}

In this reaction, the oxidation number (O.N.) of Xe decreases from +8 in

{XeO}_{6}^{4 -}

to +6 in

{XeO}_{3}

and the O.N. of F increases from -1 in

F^{-}

to O in

F_{2}

Hence, we can conclude that

{Na}_{4} {XeO}_{4}

is a stronger oxidizing agent that

F^{-}