WAEC Chemistry 2025 Theory — Question 36

Model answer

A disproportionation reaction is a redox reaction in which a substance is simultaneously oxidized and reduced (acts as both oxidizing and reducing agent), giving products with different oxidation states, e.g. decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (2H2O2 -> 2H2O + O2), and the reaction of sodium hydroxide with chlorine gas (NaOH + Cl2 -> NaCl + NaClO + H2O).