Explain which species is oxidised in this reaction: Br2 +2I– 2Br– +I2.

A useful way to answer oxidation/reduction questions is to remeber the acronym OIL RIG:

Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons) 

Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)

In this example Iodine is going from 2I- to I2 and is therefore losing electrons (negative charge) as it is going from negative charge to 0 charge. Therefore using OIL RIG we can see that Iodine is oxidised in this reaction as it is losing electrons. Hence, bromine is being reduced as it gains electrons going from Br2 to 2Br-.

RB
Answered by Rory B. Chemistry tutor

9171 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

24 g of Magnesium reacts with 16 g of Oxygen to produce 40 g of magnesium oxide. What mass of magnesium would you need to produce 10 g of magnesium oxide?


why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when in molten state or solution but not when solid?


Why do metals have high melting points?


What determines rate of reaction?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning