In a disproportionation reaction, the same element is simultaneously oxidized and reduced.
Definition
The reactions in which a single reactant is oxidized and reduced is known as Disproportionation reactions
The disproportionation reaction is given below
2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂
is also a disproportionation reaction because O is reduced in forming H₂O and oxidized in forming O₂
Examples
Listed below are the examples of disproportionation reaction
- P4 + 3NaOH + 3H2O → 3NaH2PO2 + PH3
- Cl2(g) + H2O (l) →HCl (aq)+ HClO(aq)
- 2CuBr ⟶ CuBr2+ Cu