Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

 
name         Amir I.
status       student
age          18

Question -   Why is water used in the iodine
clock reaction?
-----------------
Hi Amir!
I think you have something wrong with your question.
You probably want to refer to the hydrogen peroxide
iodine clock  reaction that is  the oxidation of
potassium iodide by hydrogen peroxide.
In that very known and simple kinetic reaction
two colorless solutions are mixed. After 10 seconds,
the colorless mixture suddenly turns blue. The action
of the hydrogen peroxide is exactly that: to oxidate
the potassium iodate.
The water is present only as a solvent of the
solutions involved. But since it is a kinetic reaction
more or less water modifies the solutions
concentrations and so the reaction rates.
Thanks for asking NEWTON!
Mabel

(Dr.Mabel Rodrigues)                                                                                          
=====================================================