Question

Given

\[\ce{CO^{3+} + e- -> CO^{2+}}\]; E° = +1.81 V

\[\ce{Pb^{4+} + 2e- -> Pb^{2+}}\]; E° = +1.67 V

\[\ce{Ce^{4+} + e- -> Ce^{3+}}\]; E° = +1.61 V

\[\ce{Bi^{3+} + 3e- -> Bi^}\]; E° = +0.20 V

Oxidizing power of the species will increase in the order:

Options

• Co³⁺ < Ce⁴⁺ < Bi³⁺ < Pb⁴⁺

• Co³⁺ < Pb⁴⁺ < Ce4+ < Bi³⁺

• Ce⁴⁺ < Pb⁴⁺ < Bi³⁺ < Co³⁺

• Bi³⁺ < Ce⁴⁺ < Pb⁴⁺ < Co³⁺

Answer 1

Bi³⁺ < Ce⁴⁺ < Pb⁴⁺ < Co³⁺

Explanation:

The higher E° means stronger oxidising ability. So, Co³⁺ is the strongest oxidising agent among the given ions.