Question

Manganese (IV) oxide, lead (IV) oxide and red lead (Pb₃O₄) react with concentrated hydrochloric acid to liberate chlorine.

1. Name the common property exhibited by these metal oxides.
2. Write the equation for the reaction of concentrated hydrochloric acid with Pb₃O₄.

Answer 1

1. These metal oxides commonly act as oxidising agents. They oxidise hydrochloric acid to chlorine.
2. \[\ce{Pb3O4 + 8HCl -> 3PbCl2 + Cl2 + 4H2O}\]