Question

1. (14 pts) Suppose Professor Koh has founded a pharmaceutical company. The company produces a synthetic drug, Covidale, against COVID-19. The synthesis of Covidale involves an oxidation-reduction step. Two strong oxidizing reagents, KMnO4 and Na2Cr2O7, are considered as an agent for the redox reaction. Answer the questions below. Show work. (a) (4 pts) Determine the oxidation numbers in the reagents, KMnO and Na2Cr2O7. KMnO4K ), Mn ), and o Na2Cr2O7: Na ), Cr ), and ) (b) (4 pts) Refer to the Table of Standard Elecrode Potential at 298 K in the Supplementary Information. For each reagent, KMnO4 and Na2Cr2O7, write: (1) the equation for the reduction half-reaction from the table and (ii) the standard reduction potential. [Hint: K+ and Na-are spectator ions. You don't need to include those spectator ions in the equation.) (c) 6 pts) Production of Covidale requires the usage a relatively mild, thus controllable, oxidizing reagent for the redox reaction. Which one is relatively mild (thus less stronger) as an oxidizing reagent: KMnO or Na2Cr2O72 Use both of the perspectives: 1) the oxidation numbers of Mn and Cr as shown in (a), and (ii) the standard reduction potential of MnO4 and Cr20,2- as shown in (b).

Answer 1

1. cas . KMn Oy Ossidation Number of K t1 +1 +2 + 4x (-2) = 0 Oncidation Number of It x - 8 o - 2 n=+7 o x = +7 Onidation Number of Mr. Na₂ Cry Of Oncidation Number of No: +1 Onidation Number of o Onidation Number + 1 x 2 + 2 X 2 + 7X(-2)0 0 : - 2 Cr of .. In -12 = 0 +6 2 x= +12 n=+6 (b) is Reduction Hall reaction for reagent KMnog 1+7) Mnou t sé + 8Ht Mn +2 + 4 H₂O car) (aq) (4) re Reduction Hall reaction for reagent Naz Crea 176) a- Cr2 Oq t ber f/4H f +] 2 Cr? + 7H20le) ca) (aq) Cany

(li) Em noul mate = +1.51 V Ecra 27 Crt3 ? +1.33 (standard reduction Potentials (c) Naz Cry Of is relatively milder onidising agant Standard as its Reduction potential is less than reagent KMnO, Also, Mn is in its highest possible oridation state due to which il can only undergo reduction to its lewer Onication state. mus behave as powerful Onidising agent