Autocatalytic reaction between ethanedioate and manganate ions

Question 1

What is the reaction between?

Answer 1

= C2O4 2-
= MnO4 -

Question 2

What is an autocatalytic reaction?

Answer 2

= where one of the products, of the reaction can catalyse the reaction
= the catalyst is not used up and is reformed

Question 3

What makes a reaction have a high activation energy?

Answer 3

= if there are 2 negative ions repel eachother and this causes a high activation energy

Question 4

How do autocatalysts work?

Answer 4

= product acts as a catalyst, so after slow start the reaction begins to speed up, as they provide an alternate route with lower activation energy
= the reaction slows down as the catalyst product drops

Question 5

What is the reaction with Mn2+ ions as the catalyst and reacting C2O4 2- and MnO4 -?

Answer 5

2MnO4 - + 5C2O4 2- + 16H+
=>
2Mn2+ + 10CO2 + 8H2O

Question 6

What are the 2 steps involved?

Answer 6

4Mn2+ + MnO4- + 8H+ => 5Mn3+ + 4H2O

2Mn3+ + C2O4- => 2Mn2+ + 2Co2