Question

Consider the following reaction:
$3B{r}_2+6C{O}_3^{-2}+3H{O}_2\to 5B{r}^{-}+Br{O}_3^{-}+6HC{O}_3^{-}$
Which of the following statements is true regarding this reaction?

• A. Bromine is oxidized and the carbonate radical is reduced
• B. Bromine is reduced and the carbonate radical is oxidized
• C. Bromine is neither reduced nor oxidized
• D. Bromine is both reduced and oxidized

Answer 1

The correct option is D Bromine is both reduced and oxidized

In the following reaction the oxidation state of bromine in the reactant side is zero, when it changes to $Br{O}_3^{-}$ it get oxidised by gaining oxygen and its oxidation state changes to +5 which indicates oxidation by lossing 5 electrons. In $5B{r}^{-}$ the oxidation state of bromine is -1, indicates reduction by gaining 1 electron. Hence bromine is both reduced and oxidized