1. In in experiment, sodium bisulfite solution is added at the end in order to destroy the unreacted bromime. What reaction is occuring here? Is HSO3- acting as an oxiding or reducing agent? Write a balanced equation as part of your answer.
Kabooga
To determine the reaction occurring when sodium bisulfite solution is added at the end to destroy the unreacted bromine, we need to understand the properties of the compounds involved.
Sodium bisulfite solution, NaHSO3, is a reducing agent. It can reduce certain oxidizing agents by donating electrons. Bromine (Br2) is an oxidizing agent, capable of accepting electrons from other substances.
When sodium bisulfite solution reacts with bromine, the following reaction takes place:
2 NaHSO3 + Br2 → 2 NaHSO4 + 2HBr
In this reaction, sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) reduces bromine (Br2) to hydrogen bromide (HBr). As a result, sodium bisulfite is acting as a reducing agent. The unreacted bromine is converted to hydrogen bromide, which is a less toxic and volatile compound, making the solution safer to handle and dispose of.
It is important to note that the above equation is only a proposed balanced equation. To accurately balance it, the specific reaction conditions, concentration, and stoichiometry of reactants must be considered.