Question

In the reaction H2CO3 (aq) + 2NH3 (aq) = 2NH4^+ (aq) + CO3 2- (aq), how many electrons are transferred?

Answer 1

The electrons are transferred when the reaction is redox reaction. It means that there must be reduction and oxidation.

The given equation is

$H_{2}CO_{3} (aq)+2NH_{3} (aq)=2NH_{4}^{+}(aq)+CO_{3}^{-2}(aq)$

The oxidation number of each element remains the same before and after the reaction.

H = +1

C: +4

O: -2

N: -3

Thus this is simple acid base reaction and not redox

There is transfer of proton from bicarbonate to ammonia

this is not a redox reaction