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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Wil" on March 14, 2009, 06:51:44 AM

Title: reaction in acidic medium??
Post by: Wil" on March 14, 2009, 06:51:44 AM
Why does some reactions have to be conducted in acidic/basic medium??

Is it because to enable the reactants be completely oxidized/reduced??

eg 5Br-(aq) + BrO3-(aq) + 6H+(aq) → 3Br2(aq) + 3H2O(l)

Is my assumption correct??

the acid doesn't act like a catalyst,right? then do we have a name for its function??
Title: Re: reaction in acidic medium??
Post by: Borek on March 14, 2009, 03:33:34 PM
Quote from: Wil" on March 14, 2009, 06:51:44 AM
the acid doesn't act like a catalyst,right? then do we have a name for its function??

Yes, it is called reactant.

Its presence ensures high redox potential of the system and reduces risk of side reactions consuming other reactants.