Core Logic
This is a redox reaction in a slightly basic/neutral medium (as indicated by MnO₂$MnO_2$ product).
Separate the reaction into two half-cells and balance using the ion-electron method.
Step 1: Reduction Half-reaction
MnO₄^- arrow MnO₂$$MnO_4^- \rightarrow MnO_2$$
Balance O by adding H₂O$H_2O$ and H by adding OH^-$OH^-$ (or balance with H^+$H^+$ then convert):
MnO₄^- + 2H₂O arrow MnO₂ + 4OH^-$$MnO_4^- + 2H_2O \rightarrow MnO_2 + 4OH^-$$
Balance charge by adding e^-$e^-$:
MnO₄^- + 2H₂O + 3e^- arrow MnO₂ + 4OH^- (1)$$MnO_4^- + 2H_2O + 3e^- \rightarrow MnO_2 + 4OH^- \dots (1)$$
Step 2: Oxidation Half-reaction
I^- arrow I₂$$I^- \rightarrow I_2$$
Balance I:
2I^- arrow I₂$$2I^- \rightarrow I_2$$
Balance charge by adding e^-$e^-$:
2I^- arrow I₂ + 2e^- (2)$$2I^- \rightarrow I_2 + 2e^- \dots (2)$$
Step 3: Combining halves
To cancel electrons, multiply equation (1) by 2 and equation (2) by 3:
2[MnO₄^- + 2H₂O + 3e^- arrow MnO₂ + 4OH^-]$$2[MnO_4^- + 2H_2O + 3e^- \rightarrow MnO_2 + 4OH^-]$$
3[2I^- arrow I₂ + 2e^-]$$3[2I^- \rightarrow I_2 + 2e^-]$$
Add them together:
2MnO₄^- + 6I^- + 4H₂O arrow 2MnO₂ + 3I₂ + 8OH^-$$2MnO_4^- + 6I^- + 4H_2O \rightarrow 2MnO_2 + 3I_2 + 8OH^-$$
Step 4: Conclusion
Comparing this with the given equation:
2MnO₄^- + bI^- + cH₂O arrow xI₂ + yMnO₂ + zOH^-$$2MnO_4^- + bI^- + cH_2O \rightarrow xI_2 + yMnO_2 + zOH^-$$
We see b = 6, c = 4, x = 3, y = 2, z = 8$b = 6, c = 4, x = 3, y = 2, z = 8$.
Therefore, the value of z is 8.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Chemistry: Redox Reactions