8.16 Why does the following reaction occur ?

XeO64– (aq) + 2F (aq) + 6H+(aq) XeO3(g)+ F2(g) + 3H2O(l)

What conclusion about the compound Na4XeO6 (of which XeO64– is a part) can be drawn from the reaction.


The given reaction occurs because XeO64- oxidises F- and F-
X+8eO6aq4-+2F-1aq+6H+aqX+6eO3(g)+F02(g)+3H2O(l) reduces XeO64-
In this reaction, the oxidation number (O.N.) of Xe decreases from +8 in XeO64- to +6 in XeO3 and the O.N. of F increases from -1 in F- to O in F2.
Hence, we can conclude that Na4XeO4 is a stronger oxidizing agent that F-.