Video: Hypochlorite ion as an oxidizing agent II
Initially, lead(II) ion reacts with hypochlorite ion to give a white precipitate of lead(II) hypochlorite:Pb2++(aq) + 2 ClO-(aq) ® Pb(ClO)2(s)
The lead(II) hypochlorite is then oxidized to lead(IV) oxide. Reaction is slow at room temperature but much faster when the tube is placed in boiling water.
Pb2+(aq) + 2 H2O(l) ® PbO2(s) + 4 H+(aq) + 2 e-
ClO-(aq) + 2 H+(aq) + 2 e- ® Cl-(aq) + H2O(l)