CHM 311

Assignment

(Applications of
Redox Reactions )

Prepared by Hamna Mukhtar Tarar

Applications of Redox Reactions
Analytical
chemistry

Medicine
Environmental
and chemistry
Cosmetics

Food Organic
Applications
chemistry chemistry

Daily lives Metallurgy

Industry
In Analytical chemistry

Permanganate ion:
• Permanganate ion, usually from KMnO4 is a • Is in used in the treatment of
powerful oxidising agent. bacterial infections.
• It is used to determine percent iron in iron • KMnO4 is also known to be used in
ore.
tanning leathers, printing fabrics.
• MnO4- + 5Fe2+ + 8H+ → 5Fe3+ + Mn2+ + 4H2O
• This compound can even be used
• KMnO4 is also used as a regeneration
as a bleaching agent, as a
chemical in well water treatment for the
removal of hydrogen sulfide and iron. pesticide, and as an antiseptic.
• as a disinfectant to cure certain skin
conditions like foot fungal infections,
dermatitis.
In Analytical chemistry
Thiosulphate-iodine titration:
I2 + 2 S2O32− → 2 I− + S4O6-2
• Sendroy’s iodometric chloride method, based on
Iodometry in its many variations is extremely
useful in volumetric analysis. Examples include titration of the IO,- dissolved by the reaction,
the determination of • AgIO3 + Cl- ↔ IO3- + AgCl , is simplified for
copper(II), chlorate, Hydrogen peroxide, and
dissolved oxygen: application to protein-containing fluids (plasma,
• 2 Cu2+ + 4 I− → 2 CuI + I2 urine, gastric juice, milk)
• 6 H+ + ClO3− + 6 I− → 3 I2 + Cl− + 3 H2O
• 2 H+ + H2O2 + 2 I− → I2 + 2 H2O
• 2 H2O + 4 Mn(OH)2 + O2 → 4 Mn(OH)3
• 2 Mn3+ + 2 I− → I2 + 2 Mn2+
 In Environmental chemistry
Thiosulphate as oxidation inhibitor in flu gas desulphurization

• Sulfite oxidation is an important side Thiosulfate (S2O3-) has been identified

and tested as an effective oxidation
reaction in flue gas desulfurization
inhibitor in slurry scrubbing systems. It
processes using aqueous solutions. In reduces gypsum saturation and thereby

slurry scrubbers using lime or reduces scaling. It also enhances the

dewatering properties of calcium sulfite
limestone, gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O)
solids, enhances SO2 removal when used
scaling on scrubber internals and mist with MgO, and reduces oxidative

eliminators has in many cases been a degradation of organic acid additives .

serious reliability problem.

 In Environmental chemistry
Iodometric determination of ozone
O3+2I- + H2O → I2+ O2+2(OH-)
→To determine concentration of ozone in air as pollutant.
Iodine pentoxide in analysis of CO in air sample
• 5CO + I2O5 → 5CO2 + I2
• The concentration of carbon
monoxide in the air sample may be
determined by analysis of the
amount of either carbon dioxide or
iodine produced.
 In Organic chemistry
Dichromate ion (Cr2O7-2) for oxidation of alcohols
Oxidation of primary alcohols Oxidation of secondary alcohols

• Acetic acid is used in the production of plastic soft drink

bottles, photographic film; and polyvinyl acetate for wood Isopropyl alcohol (solvent) used to dissolve
glue, as well as many synthetic fibres and fabrics. varnishes, lacquers, nailpolish and rubber cement.
• Also known as vinegar.
• Acetic acid is an antibiotic that treats infections caused by
bacteria or fungus.
 In Metallurgy

Hydrogen as reducing agent

Carbon as reducing agent

• To obtain iron from its ore

 In Industry
• Conversion of iron to steel
• High pressure oxygen gas passed over pig
iron.
• C and S to CO2 and SO2
• Si,P and Mn converted to oxides and removed
by adding CaO (lime) forming slag.
 In Industry

• In welding and cutting of metals:

In oxyacethylene torch, the reaction is:
C2H2 + 5O2 → 4CO2 +2H2O
Redox Reactions in Everyday life

Breathalyzer
test

Chlorination of
Photosynthesis
water

Everyday life

Combustion Rusting

Bleaching and
stain removal
Breathalyzer Test
Chlorination of water
Equations showing redox reaction
Rusting
 Bleaching and stain removal

Hypochlorite bleaches:
Other bleaching agents:
OCl- +H2O +2e-→ Cl- +2OH-
• ClO2 (chlorine dioxide)
• Safe and effective because they do not
oxidize carbohydrates (linen and cotton).
• NaClO2 (sodium chlorite)
• Oxidize proteins hence cannot be used on • NaBO2.H2O2 (sodium perborate)
wool, silk or nylon
• H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide)
• H2O2 removes blood stains from linen and
cotton fabrics
Combustion
Photosynthesis
In Food Chemistry
● Carbohydrates (e.g. sucrose, a disaccharide)
C12H22O11+ 13H2O →12CO2+ 48H++ 48e-
● Proteins (e.g. polypeptide of amino acid glycine)
C12H20N6O7 + 14H2O → 9CO2 + 2CO(NH2)2 + 36H + 36e
● Fatty acid (e.g. lauric acid)
C11H23COOH + 22H2O → 12CO2 + 68H+ + 68e-
 These half equations show that the
energy content of fats exceeds that
of carbohydrates and proteins
because fatty acid is in a MORE
REDUCED state. More electrons are
lost in its oxidation.
+ -
 Antioxidants and browning of
fruit

• Antioxidants are reducing

agents
• Vitamin C retards oxidation
of living cells
• Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a
fat-soluble antioxidant
 In Medicine and Cosmetics
Hydrogen peroxide
• 3% H2O2 used as antiseptic
• Treats minor cuts and abrasions.
• Hydrogen peroxidase catalyzes its
decomposition
• (disproportion reaction).
2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2
Treating acne
• 5%-10% benzoyl peroxide
(C6H5COO)2 oxidizing agent
• Skin irritant, removes old skin
• May promote skin cancer hence
discouraged.
The End