Question:medium

The oxidation state of chromium in the final product formed in the reaction between KI and acidified $K_2Cr_2O_7$ solution is:

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In acidic solutions, $Cr_2O_7^{2-}$ (orange) is reduced to $Cr^{3+}$ (green). In basic solutions, $CrO_4^{2-}$ (yellow) is reduced to $Cr(OH)_3$ (green precipitate).
Updated On: Feb 24, 2026
  • +3
  • +6
  • +2
  • +4
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To solve this question, we need to determine the oxidation state of chromium in the final product formed from the reaction between potassium iodide (KI) and acidified potassium dichromate (\( K_2Cr_2O_7 \)). The reaction occurs in an acidic condition, generally using sulfuric acid.

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:

\[ Cr_2O_7^{2-} + 14H^+ + 6I^- \rightarrow 2Cr^{3+} + 7H_2O + 3I_2 \]

In this reaction, the dichromate ion (\( Cr_2O_7^{2-} \)) is reduced to chromium ions (\( Cr^{3+} \)). Here, the relevant oxidation state changes occur:

  • In \( K_2Cr_2O_7 \), the oxidation state of chromium is +6. This is because the chemical formula of the dichromate ion, \( Cr_2O_7^{2-} \), can be analyzed: each \(\text{O}^-\) is -2 and altogether they contribute -14, hence each Cr must be +6 to balance the -2 charge.
  • In the product, each chromium atom in \( Cr^{3+} \) has an oxidation state of +3.

Thus, the oxidation state of chromium in the final product is +3, which corresponds to the correct answer.

Let's analyze why the oxidation state is +3:

  • The dichromate ion is reduced, and simultaneously, the iodide ions (\( I^- \)) are oxidized to iodine (\( I_2 \)). The overall process is a redox reaction.
  • In a redox reaction, the oxidation state of the reduced species decreases. As \( Cr^{6+} \) is reduced to \( Cr^{3+} \), this indicates a decrease in the oxidation number, confirming the final oxidation state of chromium as +3.

Therefore, the oxidation state of chromium in the final product is +3.

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