Question

For each of the following, write an oxidation half – reaction and normalize the reaction on an electron equivalent basis. Add H2O as appropriate to either side of the equations in balancing reactions. (a) CH3CH2CH2CHNH2COO oxidation to CO2, NH4, HCO3 (b) Cl to ClO3

Answer 1

(a) the balanced oxidation half reaction

CH₃CH₂CH₂CHNH₂COO^- + 9H₂O = 4CO₂ + NH₄⁺ + HCO₃^- + 23H⁺ + 24 e^-

Convert the equation to the electron equivalent form by dividing by the coefficient on e^-

(1/24)CH₃CH₂CH₂CHNH₂COO^- + (9/24)H₂O = (4/24)CO₂ +(1/24) NH₄⁺ + (1/24)HCO₃^- + (23/24)H⁺ + (24/24) e^-

(1/24)CH₃CH₂CH₂CHNH₂COO^- + (9/24)H₂O = (1/6)CO₂ +(1/24) NH₄⁺ + (1/24)HCO₃^- + (23/24)H⁺ + 1 e^-

(b)  the balanced oxidation half reaction

Cl^- + 3H₂O =ClO₃^- + 6H⁺ + 6e^-

Convert the equation to the electron equivalent form by dividing by the coefficient on e^-

(1/6)Cl^- + (3/6)H₂O = (1/6) ClO₃^- + (6/6)H⁺ + (6/6)e^-

(1/6)Cl^- + (1/2)H₂O =(1/6) ClO₃^- + H⁺ + e^-