Find the Oxident in the following reaction.?

Posted on 2015-11-14 06:39:00 in Chemistry by FERN

Find the Oxident in the following reaction.
4VO^(2+)(aq) + O2(g) + 2H2O(l) 4VO2^(+)(aq) + 4H+(aq)

VO2+
H2O
O2 Correct Answer
VO^(2+)

I chose VO^(2+) because I thought V would have to gain an electron to get a less negative charge in the products.
4VO^(2+) ----------------> 4VO2^(+)
[4x O(-2)= -8] [4x O(-2)=-8]
[4V-8=2] [4V-8=1]
[V=10/4] [V=9/4]
I saw that V here had to have a smaller + charge in the products which means electrons are gained and that means V is reduced, making it a oxident. I know I may not be completely right with this but thats how I was thinking about it.

I understand how the right answer is O2 given that O2 has a zero charge and has a -2 charge in the products, meaning electrons are gained so it is an oxident. Why not V tho?

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