Question

Which of these phrases accurately describe disproportionation? Check all that apply.

A single compound reacts with itself.

A single compound oxidizes and reduces a second compound.

A single compound is simultaneously oxidized and reduced.

A single compound is produced by the reaction of two ions.

A single compound acts as both the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent.

Answer 1

Correct choices: 1, 3, and 5.

Brief justification:
- 1 (A single compound reacts with itself) — yes. Disproportionation is a reaction where molecules/ions of the same species react so that some are oxidized and some reduced (e.g., 2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2).
- 3 (A single compound is simultaneously oxidized and reduced) — yes. This is the definition: one species undergoes both oxidation and reduction.
- 5 (A single compound acts as both the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent) — yes. The species serves as both oxidant and reductant in the same reaction.

Incorrect:
- 2 (A single compound oxidizes and reduces a second compound) — no. That describes one compound affecting another, not the same species being both oxidized and reduced.
- 4 (A single compound is produced by the reaction of two ions) — no. That describes formation from two different species (more like comproportionation), not disproportionation.