Question

The bombardier beetle is noted for its chemical defense mechanism that corresponds to its name; when threatened, the bug ejects a hot noxious chemical spray from two glands at the tip of its abdomen. Each gland contains two compartments - an inner compartment containing an aqueous solution of hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide and an outer compartment containing enzymes that convert these compounds into 1,4-benzoquinone and water according to the following equation:

C₆H₄(OH)_2(aq) + H₂O_2(aq) -> C₆H₄O_2(aq) + 2H₂O_(l)

a) Given that the change in enthalpy for the reaction C₆H₄(OH)_2(aq) -> C₆H₄O_2(aq) + H_2(g) is 177 kJ/mol, calculate the change in enthalpy for the reaction that occurs in the beetle's abdomen.

b) How could you show that this enthalpy change is sufficient to bring the mixture to its boiling point and vaporize it?

Answer 1

? Chyron), (05) + H202.104.) HUQ2.C.) + 2490 (1) AH = ? GH y Con Hua (ap) + H₂ DH= 177 kJ/mol on Standard Conditions i H₂O2 → 102 + H₂O DH = -94. 6 KJ / Mul i C6H602 H₂ + C Hula PH2 = 177 kJ/mol (1) H₂ + 2 O Hoces DH2=-286 kJ house on adding Reaction () gCí, anel City CH4 (4) + H₂O & Hy O₂ + 2H₂016) OH = DH, + DH₂ + DH₃ = -99.6 +177 -286 =-203.6 kg/medl 6) when the contents of the two glands are mixed, oxygen forms and in turn reacts with hydroquinone to Convest into benzoquinone. The reaction is exotheson that chemicel Reaction reach to tempesature of 100°c we can see from above dex" by em ② & ③ - 286 + 177 - 109 kJ/mol Seth