Question

CN-ion is oxidised by a powerful oxidising agent to NO3- and CO2 or CO32- depending on the acidity
of the reaction mixture.
CN-→ CO2 + NO3- + H+ + ne-
What is the number (n) of moles of electrons per mole of CN- involved in the process ?
(a) 8
(b) 9
(c) 7
(d) 10​

Answer 1

Explanation:

The balanced chemical equation for the oxidation of cyanide ion is as given below.

15H

2

O+3CN

⊖

⟶3CO

2

+3NO

3

⊖

+30H

⊕

+30e

−

Thus, 30 electrons are involved in the process.

∴ Number of e

−

's =

10

30

=3

The number (n) of electrons involved in the process divided by 10 is 3.