Question

Explain the feasibility of the reaction of tin with acid (use redox potentials to explain).

Answer 1

Standard reduction potential of Sn⁺² I Sn system is -0.14. That means E⁰ value for the reaction Sn⁺²:+ 2e = Sn is -0.14 . Now free energy change for the reaction would be positive (DelG = -nFE⁰ and E⁰ is -ve) . So the reaction is not feasible . So reverse reaction that is the oxidation of Sn to Sn+2 would be fast as it would have delG= -ve. Sn reacts with acid , e.g. , HCl to form salt and H₂

Sn+2HCl =SnCl2 + H2 this is a reaction where Sn gets oxidised to +2 state and hence reaction is feasible.