Cl₂ (g) + 2 KI (aq) → 2 KCl (aq) + I₂ (s)
Here's what happens in the reaction:
* Chlorine (Cl₂) is a strong oxidizing agent: It wants to gain electrons and become negatively charged.
* Iodide ions (I-) in potassium iodide (KI) are easily oxidized: They readily lose electrons.
In the reaction:
* Chlorine (Cl₂) displaces iodine (I₂) from potassium iodide (KI).
* Chlorine (Cl₂) gains electrons and forms chloride ions (Cl-), which combine with potassium ions (K+) to form potassium chloride (KCl).
* Iodine (I₂) is oxidized and forms solid iodine (I₂).
This reaction is a classic example of a single displacement reaction where a more reactive halogen (chlorine) displaces a less reactive halogen (iodine) from its compound.
