Question

Is oxidation of bromide ion into bromine by ferric ion possible?

Hint:

The species with a higher reduction potential acts as the oxidizing agent.

Answer 1

The standard electrode potentials are given as: \[ E^\circ_{Fe^{3+}/Fe^{2+}} = 0.771 \, \text{V}, \quad E^\circ_{Br_2/Br^-} = 1.09 \, \text{V}. \] Since the reduction potential of \( Br_2/Br^- \) is higher than \( Fe^{3+}/Fe^{2+} \), bromide ions cannot be oxidized by ferric ions.