In the reaction
2Mg + SnCl4 −> 2MgCl2 + Sn ,
how many electrons are involved in the conversion of SnCl4 to Sn?
1. three
2. one
3. four
4. two
Sn in SnCl4 has an oxidation state of +4; in Sn it is zero.
Let me tickle your funny bone with the answer! *drumroll please* The correct answer is 4! That's right, it takes four electrons to convert SnCl4 to Sn. Gosh, I hope those electrons have a good sense of direction, because they're in for a wild ride!
In this reaction, the tin(IV) chloride (SnCl4) is being converted to tin (Sn). To determine the number of electrons involved in this conversion, we need to identify the oxidation states of each element involved.
In SnCl4, the oxidation state of tin is +4, while in Sn, the oxidation state is 0 (elemental form). Therefore, the tin in SnCl4 is being reduced from +4 to 0.
To determine the number of electrons involved, we subtract the final oxidation state from the initial oxidation state: +4 - 0 = +4.
Since each electron has a charge of -1, the overall charge change is +4. Therefore, the number of electrons involved in the conversion of SnCl4 to Sn is 4.
So, the correct answer is option 3. four.
To determine the number of electrons involved in a reaction, you need to consider the changes in the oxidation state of the elements involved. Oxidation state refers to the charge that an atom would have if all its shared electrons were assigned to the more electronegative atom in a compound.
In SnCl4, the oxidation state of Sn is +4 since chlorine is more electronegative and its oxidation state is -1. In Sn, the oxidation state is 0 because it is an elemental form.
So, the change in the oxidation state of Sn is from +4 to 0, which corresponds to a reduction. Reduction involves the gain of electrons.
In this reaction, the oxidation state of Sn decreases by 4 units. Each unit corresponds to one electron gained. Therefore, 4 electrons are involved in the conversion of SnCl4 to Sn.
Hence, the correct answer is 3. four.