Explain the term disproportionation reaction.

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

2H_₂O_₂ → 2H_₂O + O_₂

is also a disproportionation reaction because O is reduced in forming H_₂O and oxidized in forming O_₂

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