Problem #5 - Redox in Basic Solution, Step-by-Step

Gap-fill exercise

Fill in all the gaps, then press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if an answer is giving you trouble. You can also click on the "[?]" button to get a clue. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints or clues!

Balance the following redox equation in basic solution
MnO4- + C2O42- → MnO2 + CO2

Step #1 - Write the half-reactions
MnO4- → MnO2

C2O42- → CO2

Step #2 - Balance the elements that are NOT oxygen and hydrogen
MnO4- → MnO2

C2O42-CO2

Step #3 - Balance oxygen with water
MnO4- → MnO2 + H2O

C2O42-CO2

Step #4 - Balance hydrogen with hydrogen ions, H+
H+ + MnO4- → MnO2 + H2O

C2O42- → 2CO2

Step #5 - Balance charges with electrons, e-
e- + H+ + MnO4- → MnO2 + H2O

C2O42- → 2CO2 + e-

Step #6 - Balance electrons lost and gained
e- + H+ + MnO4-MnO2 + H2O

C2O42-CO2 + e-

Step #7 - Sum the two half-reactions
H+ + MnO4- + C2O42-MnO2 + CO2 + H2O

Step #8 - Add enough hydroxide to each side of the reaction to cancel the H+ ions (turn them into water)
OH- + H+ + MnO4- + C2O42-MnO2 + CO2 + H2O + OH-

Step #9 - Reduce water to one side of the equation
H2O + MnO4- + C2O42-MnO2 + CO2 + OH-