The standard reduction potentials E° for the M3+/M2+ couples of Cr, Mn, Fe and Co are −0.41, +1.57, +0.77 and +1.97 V, respectively. For which metal is oxidation from the +2 state to the +3 state most readily achieved?

Question

Accepted Answer

Cr. The standard reduction potential indicates how easily a species can be reduced; a more negative value suggests a greater tendency to oxidize. Since Cr has the lowest reduction potential among the options, it is more readily oxidized from the +2 state to the +3 state.

The standard reduction potentials E° for the M3+/M2+ couples of Cr, Mn, Fe and Co are −0.41, +1.57, +0.77 and +1.97 V, respectively. For which metal is oxidation from the +2 state to the +3 state most readily achieved?

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