Solution
Related Formula
Cr₂O₇²⁻ + 14H^+ + 6e^- arrow 2Cr³⁺ + 7H₂O 2I^- arrow I₂ + 2e^-Core Logic
Acidified potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) acts as a strong oxidizing agent. In acidic medium, the dichromate ion (Cr₂O₇²⁻, where Cr is in the +6 oxidation state) is reduced to the Chromium(III) ion (Cr³⁺).
Concurrently, iodide ions (I^- from KI) are oxidized to elemental iodine (I₂). The full ionic equation is:
Cr₂O₇²⁻ + 6I^- + 14H^+ arrow 2Cr³⁺ + 3I₂ + 7H₂OThe final product containing chromium is the Cr³⁺ ion, meaning its oxidation state is +3.
Pattern Recognition
Always remember that in acidic media, Cr₂O₇²⁻ (orange) universally reduces to Cr³⁺ (green). The oxidation state invariably goes from +6 arrow +3.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Chemistry: d and f Block Elements Class 11 Chemistry: Redox Reactions