Question

Explain the reactions:

a. $2KI+C{l}_2\to 2KCl+I_2$

Answer 1

1. The species which undergoes oxidation or loss of electrons is a reducing agent.
2. And the species which undergoes reduction or gain of electrons oxidizing agent.
3. In the given reaction oxidation and reduction are taking place.
4. The reaction can be split as,

$$\begin{gathered} Cathode:\underset{Chlorinegas}{C{l}_2\left(g\right)}+2e^{-}\to \underset{Chlorideions}{2C{l}^{-}} \\ Anode:\underset{Iodideion}{2I^{-}}\to \underset{Iodine}{I_2\left(g\right)}+2e^{-} \end{gathered}$$
So, from the reaction Chlorine is undergoing a reduction process so it is the Oxidizing agent while Iodine is undergoing oxidation so it is the Reducing agent.