CAIE A-Level Chemistry 28.2.8 Redox Feasibility Using E° Values
Practise using standard electrode potentials to predict transition-metal redox feasibility and products.
- Syllabus
- 2028–2030
- Course
- Chemistry 9701
- Level
- A2
Practise using standard electrode potentials to predict transition-metal redox feasibility and products.
[Fe(H2O)6]2+ can be converted into [Fe(H2O)4(OH)2].
[Fe(H2O)4(OH)2] is a green precipitate that turns brown on standing in air.
Table 2.1 shows electrode potentials for some electrode reactions.

Table 2.1
Use the information in Table 2.1 to explain why [Fe(H2O)4(OH)2] turns brown on standing in air.
Include an equation for this reaction.
M1: Fe(H2O)4(OH)2 is oxidised (from +2 to +3 on standing)
M2: E∘ of Fe(H2O)3(OH)3 is more negative than E∘ of O2
OR E∘ cell =0.40−(−0.56)=(+)0.96 V
M3: 4Fe(H2O)4(OH)2+O2→4Fe(H2O)3(OH)3+2H2O