This reaction was the chemistry behind the first \"Breathalyzer\" test. Ingested

Question

This reaction was the chemistry behind the first "Breathalyzer" test. Ingested ethanol makes Its way into the lungs via the circulatory/respiratory systems where some of it exhaled and collected. The alcohol reacts with the yellow-orange dichromate ion and the resulting change in color is measured and blood levels estimated. Neat isn't it!) Arrange the following species in order increasing strength as an agent. (Remember the greater the reduction potential the more a species wants to accept electrons and be reduced!) I_2, MnO_4^-, Ag^+, Zn^2+, H^+

Explanation / Answer

Higher the reduction potential then higher is the tendency to get reduce and higher will be its oxidising nature.

Therefore the increasing order of strength of oxidising tendency among the given is as follows,

Zn2+ < H+ < I2 < Ag+ < MnO4-

Among the given the reduction potentials are as follows

Zn2+ + 2e- ---------> Zn , E0 = -0.76 V

2H+ + 2e- -----------> H2 , E0 = 0 V

I2 + 2e- -----------> 2I- , E0 = 0.54 V

Ag+ + e- ------------> Ag , E0 = 0.80 V

MnO4- + 4H+ + 3e- ------------> MnO2 + 2H2O , E0 = 1.71 V

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.