Question

For the reaction $K{{O}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O+C{{O}_{2}}\to KHC{{O}_{3}}+{{O}_{2}}$, the mechanism of reaction suggests?
a.) Acid-base reaction
b.) Disproportional reaction
c.) Hydrolysis
d.) Redox change

Answer 1

Hint: Generally, you should know that the reaction mechanism describes the sequence of elementary reactions which must occur to go from reactants to products. To solve this break the reaction and find out the oxidant and reductant and identify the other mechanisms involved.

Complete step by step answer:
To answer this, let us discuss the types of reactions given to us in the options.
- Acid-base reaction:
Generally any reaction which is not specifically oxidation-reduction is an acid-base reaction. As we all know the most general theory is the Lewis theory. In most acid-base reactions an acid is converted into its conjugate base reactions and the base is converted into its conjugate acid.

-Hydrolysis:
 It is a chemical reaction in which water breaks down another compound and changes. Dissolving a salt of a weak acid or base in water is an example of hydrolysis reaction. The end result of this reaction is that the larger molecule ejects a water molecule.

- Disproportional reaction:
If the same element is oxidised as well as reduced then it is called a disproportionation reaction. If the compound forms two products, one as a result of oxidation and other as a result of reduction, we can say it undergoes disproportionation.

-Redox reaction:
 A reaction in which one species is reduced and another is oxidized. In simple words a reaction where reduction and oxidation both takes place simultaneously is known as a redox reaction.

Now let us see the reaction given to us in the question-
     $K{{O}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O+C{{O}_{2}}\to KHC{{O}_{3}}+{{O}_{2}}$
     $4KOH+4C{{O}_{2}}\to 4KHC{{O}_{3}}$ (Acid-base reaction)

Here, $K{{O}_{2}}$ acts as a reductant and $C{{O}_{2}}$ is oxidant. This is a disproportionation-redox reaction which includes acid and base reaction as well as hydrolysis.

Therefore, we can tell that the mechanism for the reaction $K{{O}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O+C{{O}_{2}}\to KHC{{O}_{3}}+{{O}_{2}}$ suggests hydrolysis, disproportional, redox reactions.
So, the correct answer is “Option A,B,C and D”.

Note: Every disproportionation reaction is a redox reaction but every redox reaction is not a disproportionation reaction. Thus, disproportionation is a special case of a redox reaction. Certain compounds undergo disproportionation in order to gain higher stability which results from oxidation or reduction. Also we should remember that gain of electron is reduction and loss of electron is oxidation.