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 ILoss (of electrons) 

Reduction IGain (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

35766 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between an atom and an ion?


How do you describe the greenhouse effect?


Why do we use cracking?


Balance the equation for the reaction of sodium hydroxide with sulphuric acid.


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