Problem: In the reaction: pyruvate + NADH + H + ⇌ lactate + NAD +: the standard reduction potentials of NAD+/NADH and private/lactate redox pairs are 0.32 V and -0.19 V respectively.a) Which redox pair has the greatest tendency to loose electrons (breifly explain)? Which is the stronger oxidizing agent (breifly explain)?b) If 1 M of each reactant and product are present at pH 7, which direction will the reaction proceed? why?c) Calculate ΔG° at 25°C and pH 7 for the reaction. Is the reaction spontaneous?
FREE Expert Solution
We’re being asked which of the given species has the greatest tendency to lose electrons and which is a stronger oxidizing agent.
Species that lose electrons are reducing agents. Reducing agents are the species that are being oxidized in a redox reaction.
Substances that gain electrons are oxidizing agents. The oxidizing agent is the species that are being reduced in a redox reaction.
Recall the mnemonics LEORA GEROA.
Lose Gain
Electron Electrons
Oxidation Reduction
Reducing Oxidizing
Agent Agent
The stronger reducing agent would be the species that would be easily oxidized or easily loses an electron:
Problem Details
In the reaction: pyruvate + NADH + H + ⇌ lactate + NAD +: the standard reduction potentials of NAD+/NADH and private/lactate redox pairs are 0.32 V and -0.19 V respectively.
a) Which redox pair has the greatest tendency to loose electrons (breifly explain)? Which is the stronger oxidizing agent (breifly explain)?
b) If 1 M of each reactant and product are present at pH 7, which direction will the reaction proceed? why?
c) Calculate ΔG° at 25°C and pH 7 for the reaction. Is the reaction spontaneous?