Single displacement reactions between different metals and ions can be easily carried out in labs.The results of these experiments can be used to create redox tables which allow for prediction of spontaneous reactions.For example when Sn2+ ions are reacted with Fe a reaction occurs. This happens because Sn2+ ions have a stronger pull on electrons than Fe atoms.This information can be built into a useful table.

Redox Table

Ions Metals If an ion reacts with a metal place the ion higher. If it doesn’t place it lower.Sn2+ reacts with Fe

Sn2+

FeSn2+ doesn’t react with Cu.

Cu

Zn2+ ion does not react with Fe.

Zn2+

Ions Metals Fill in the missing ions and metals.

Sn2+

Fe

Cu

Zn2+

Cu2+

Sn

Fe2+

Zn

The strongest oxidizing agents are at the top of the ions column and the strongest reducing agents are at the bottom of the metals column.

SOA

SRADecreasingstrength

Decreasingstrength

Ions Metals

Any ion above any metal will steal the metals electrons and the reaction will be spontaneous.Cu2+ ions will steal electrons fromSn, Fe, and Zn.Sn2+ ions will steal e1- fromFe and Zn.Fe2+ will react withZn.

Sn2+

Fe

Cu

Zn2+

Cu2+

Sn

Fe2+

Zn

SOA

SRADecreasingstrength

Decreasingstrength

Ions MetalsThese half reactions can be written as reductions by adding the electrons to the equations.

Sn2+

Fe

Cu

Zn2+

Cu2+

Sn

Fe2+

Zn

SOA

SRADecreasingstrength

Decreasingstrength

+ 2e1-

+ 2e1-

+ 2e1-

+ 2e1- Try question 9 on page 67710-13 on page 678.

Cl2 is the most reactive, I2 is the least reactive

SOA

SRA

Cl2(aq) + 2e1- ---> 2Cl1-(aq)

I2(aq) + 2e1- ---> 2I1-(aq)

Br2(aq) + 2e1- ---> 2Br1-(aq)

#9

10.

SOA

SRA

Co2+

Zn

Mg2+

+ 2e1- ---> Co

Zn2+ + 2e1- --->

+ 2e1- ---> Mg

11. SOA

SRA

Cd2+

Be

2H1+

Cd

Ca2+

CuCu2+ + 2e1- -->

+ 2e1- --> H2

+ 2e1- -->

Be2+ + 2e1- -->

+ 2e1- --> Ca

12. It is empirical since experimental observations can be used to verify it.

13.

Br2(l)

Ag(s)

I2(s)

Cu2+

Cl2(aq) Cl1-(aq)

+ 2e1- --> 2Br1-(aq)

Ag1+(aq) + 1e1- -->

+ 2e1- --> 2I1-(aq)

(aq) + 2e1- --> Cu(s)

+ 2e1- --> 2

Use the Extended Redox Table on page 804 to answer questions 14-19 on page 679.