Question
How do I classify chromium, tin, and aluminum according to their increasing reductant properties?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
To classify chromium, tin, and aluminum according to their increasing reductant properties, we will consider their positions in the electrochemical series (or standard reduction potentials) and their ability to act as reducing agents. The more negative the standard reduction potential, the stronger the reductant.
Here is a general idea of their standard reduction potentials:
1. **Aluminum (Al)**: Highly negative reduction potential; it is a strong reducing agent.
\[ \text{Al}^{3+} + 3\text{e}^- \rightarrow \text{Al} \quad (E^\circ \approx -1.66 \, \text{V}) \]
2. **Tin (Sn)**: Less negative than aluminum. It is a moderate reducing agent.
\[ \text{Sn}^{2+} + 2\text{e}^- \rightarrow \text{Sn} \quad (E^\circ \approx -0.14 \, \text{V}) \]
3. **Chromium (Cr)**: Its reduction potentials vary depending on the oxidation state considered, but generally, it is less reduced compared to aluminum and tin under typical conditions.
\[ \text{Cr}^{3+} + 3\text{e}^- \rightarrow \text{Cr} \quad (E^\circ \approx -0.74 \, \text{V}) \]
Based on this information, the order of their reductant properties from weakest to strongest is:
**Tin (Sn) < Chromium (Cr) < Aluminum (Al)**
So, in summary, aluminum is the strongest reductant, followed by chromium, and tin is the least reducing agent among the three.
Here is a general idea of their standard reduction potentials:
1. **Aluminum (Al)**: Highly negative reduction potential; it is a strong reducing agent.
\[ \text{Al}^{3+} + 3\text{e}^- \rightarrow \text{Al} \quad (E^\circ \approx -1.66 \, \text{V}) \]
2. **Tin (Sn)**: Less negative than aluminum. It is a moderate reducing agent.
\[ \text{Sn}^{2+} + 2\text{e}^- \rightarrow \text{Sn} \quad (E^\circ \approx -0.14 \, \text{V}) \]
3. **Chromium (Cr)**: Its reduction potentials vary depending on the oxidation state considered, but generally, it is less reduced compared to aluminum and tin under typical conditions.
\[ \text{Cr}^{3+} + 3\text{e}^- \rightarrow \text{Cr} \quad (E^\circ \approx -0.74 \, \text{V}) \]
Based on this information, the order of their reductant properties from weakest to strongest is:
**Tin (Sn) < Chromium (Cr) < Aluminum (Al)**
So, in summary, aluminum is the strongest reductant, followed by chromium, and tin is the least reducing agent among the three.