Question

Which element is oxidized in the reaction below? fe(co)5 (l) + 2hi (g) fe(co)4i2 (s) + co (g) + h2 (g)?

Answer 1

Oxidation state of I is (-1) and for CO it is zero. Let's assume that the oxidation state of Fe in Fe(CO)₄I₂ (s) is x. For whole compound, the charge is zero.

Sum of oxidation numbers in all elements = Charge of the compound.

Here we have 1Fe , 4CO and 2I
hence we can find the oxidation state as;
 x + 4*0 + 2*(-1) = 0
 x + 0 - 2            = 0
                   x     = +2
Hence the oxidation state of Fe in product Fe(CO)₄I₂ (s) is +2.

Same as we can find the oxidation state (y) of Fe in Fe(CO)₅(s).
y + 5*0 = 0
   y        = 0

Since oxidation state of Fe increased from 0 to +2, the oxidized element is Fe in the given reaction.