Analyte Oxidation State

Concept #1:

An auxiliary reducing agent represents an easily oxidized metal such as Zn, Ag, Sn, or Cd that is part of prereduction.   

Concept #2:

An auxiliary oxidizing agent will oxidize the analyte and in the process be reduced as part of the preoxidation stage.

Example #1:

Answer each of the following questions based on the following half reactions:

HALF REACTIONS                       E^o (V)

Cl₂ (g)  +  2 e ^–    →      2 Cl ^–  (aq)           + 1.36

l₂ (g)  +  2 e ^–       →​      2 l ^–  (aq)              + 0.535

Pb²⁺ (aq)   +  2 e ^–  →​   Pb (s)                   - 0.126

V²⁺ (aq)  +  2 e ^–      →​  V (s)                      - 1.18

a)  Which is the strongest oxidizing agent?

b)  Which is the strongest reducing agent?

c)  Will I ^– (aq) reduce Cl₂ (g) to Cl ^–  (g)?