Which is the stronger reducing agent, Ti²⁺ or Ni²⁺? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of a reducing agent. A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another species in a redox reaction, causing the other species to be reduced while the reducing agent itself is oxidized.

Step 2: Look up the standard reduction potentials for the half-reactions of Ti²⁺ and Ni²⁺. The standard reduction potential indicates the tendency of a species to gain electrons and be reduced.

Step 3: Compare the standard reduction potentials. The species with the more negative standard reduction potential is a stronger reducing agent because it is more likely to donate electrons.

Step 4: Analyze the reduction potentials: If Ti²⁺ has a more negative reduction potential than Ni²⁺, it means Ti²⁺ is more willing to lose electrons, making it a stronger reducing agent.

Step 5: Conclude based on the comparison: Determine which ion, Ti²⁺ or Ni²⁺, has the more negative standard reduction potential and thus is the stronger reducing agent.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Reducing Agents

A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons in a chemical reaction, thereby reducing another substance. The strength of a reducing agent is determined by its ability to lose electrons easily. Stronger reducing agents have a greater tendency to undergo oxidation, which is the loss of electrons.

Standard Reduction Potentials

Standard reduction potentials (E°) are measured values that indicate the tendency of a species to gain electrons and be reduced. A more negative E° value suggests a stronger reducing agent, as it indicates a greater likelihood of losing electrons. Comparing the E° values of Ti2+ and Ni2+ will help determine which is the stronger reducing agent.

Electrochemical Series

The electrochemical series is a list of standard reduction potentials for various half-reactions, arranged from strongest to weakest reducing agents. By examining this series, one can predict the relative strength of reducing agents. The position of Ti2+ and Ni2+ in this series will provide insight into their reducing abilities.

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(a) Ti

(b) V

(d) Zn

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The highest oxidation state for the early transition metals Sc, Ti, V, Cr, and Mn is the periodic group number. The highest oxidation state for the later transition elements Fe, Co, and Ni is less than the periodic group number. Explain.

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Will a compound that contains a Fe6+ ion be an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent? Explain.

Which is the stronger reducing agent, Ti2+ or Ni2+? Explain.

Key Concepts

Reducing Agents

Standard Reduction Potentials

Electrochemical Series

Which is the stronger reducing agent, Ti²⁺ or Ni²⁺? Explain.