During the preparation of H2S2O8 | Chemistry - Electrolysis and oxidation reactions | SolveeIt | Solveeit

Today, August 19

Question

During the preparation of H2S2O8

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Answer

oxygen is evolved at the anode as sulfate ions are oxidized to persulfate ions.

Explanation

Solution

In the electrochemical preparation of peroxydisulfuric acid (H₂S₂O₈), concentrated H₂SO₄ is electrolyzed. At the anode, sulfate ions (or bisulfate ions) are oxidized to yield the persulfate ion (S₂O₈²⁻) along with the evolution of oxygen. This anodic oxidation is the key step in forming H₂S₂O₈.