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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: MissDee on November 14, 2010, 10:41:19 PM

Title: I2 and ascorbic acid, 1:1 ratio?
Post by: MissDee on November 14, 2010, 10:41:19 PM

C₆H₈O₆ + I₃^- + H₂O  :rarrow: C₆H₆O₆ + 3I^- + 2H⁺

Does this mean that the moles of I2 added is equal to the moles of ascorbic acid in the sample? Ie, is it a 1:1 ratio? Then what is the significance of the 3 moles of I₂ formed as a product?

Title: Re: I2 and ascorbic acid, 1:1 ratio?
Post by: Fluorine on November 14, 2010, 11:07:29 PM

There is no iodine (I₂) on either side of the chemical reaction you supplied. I₃^- is triiodide ion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triiodide) and I^- is iodide ion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodide).

According to the reaction 1mol ascorbic acid, 1mol triiodide ion, and 1mol water will form 1mol dehydroascorbic acid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydroascorbic_acid), 3mol iodide ion, and 2mol protons/hydrogen ion. Yes triiodide and ascorbic acid are 1:1, the 3mols I^- is because the triiodide is split up during the reaction.

Hope this helps.