A reaction in which the same element is both oxidised and reduced is called

  • A. a neutralisation reaction
  • B. a displacement reaction
  • C. a precipitation reaction
  • D. a disproportionation reaction

Explanation

In disproportionation one species with an intermediate oxidation state changes into two products, one at a higher and one at a lower state, as when chlorine reacts with cold dilute alkali to give chloride and hypochlorite. The element must therefore have an accessible oxidation state on both sides of its starting value. This is why sodium, always plus 1 in compounds, cannot disproportionate.

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