Question 13 Marks
On the basis of the following data, explain why $Co -(III)$ is not stable in aqueous solution?
$Co^{3+}+e^{-} \rightarrow Co^2+, E^o=+1.82 V$
$2 H_2 O \rightarrow O_2+4 H^{+}+4 e^{-}, E^o=1.23 V$
$Co^{3+}+e^{-} \rightarrow Co^2+, E^o=+1.82 V$
$2 H_2 O \rightarrow O_2+4 H^{+}+4 e^{-}, E^o=1.23 V$
Answer
View full question & answer→Adding the two half reactions, $e.m.f.$ comes out to positive.
$emf=E_{\text {cathode }}-E_{\text {anode }}$
$emf=1.82-1.23=+0.59$
This means that $Co (III)$ in aqueous solution has the tendency to change to $Co (II).$
Hence, $Co (III)$ is not stable in aqueous solution.
$emf=E_{\text {cathode }}-E_{\text {anode }}$
$emf=1.82-1.23=+0.59$
This means that $Co (III)$ in aqueous solution has the tendency to change to $Co (II).$
Hence, $Co (III)$ is not stable in aqueous solution.
