Autocatalysis

For the reaction between manganate ions and ethandioate ions, is this equation right:

2MnO₄^- + 16H⁺ + 5C₂O₄^2- --> 2Mn²⁺ + 4H₂O + 10CO₂

Because it's different in one of my textbooks. :confused:

Reply 1

alisa

It's 8 H20

Reply 2

alisa

(MnO4^- + 8H+ --> Mn^2+ + 4H2O + 5e-)x2

(C2O4^2- --> 10CO2 + 2e-)x5

2MnO4- + 16H+ + 5C2O4^2- --> 2Mn^2+ + 8H2O + 10CO2

Reply 3

LuckyMan

Why is it an autocatalysis reaction ?

Reply 4

alisa

The product, Mn^2+ is the catalyst

Reply 5

*Gwen*

Its an autocatalysis reaction because the reaction has produced its own catalyst (Mn 2+) which it then uses for further reactions (as always, the catalyst is regenerated at the end, but missed out from the overall equation blah blah blah)

Reply 6

alisa

MnO4^- + Mn^2+ + 8H+ ------> Mn^2+ + Mn^3+ + 4H2O + 5e-

C2O4^2- + Mn^3+ --------> 2CO2 + Mn^2+ +2e-

The catalyst is in red, and is needed as both MnO4^- and C2O4^2- are negative.