Would arrow pushing explain the mechanism of these oxide reactions?

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In summary, the article explores whether arrow pushing, a method used in organic chemistry to illustrate electron movement, can effectively explain the mechanisms behind oxide reactions. It discusses the relevance of this technique in understanding reaction pathways, the role of intermediates, and the overall electron transfer processes involved in these reactions. The conclusion suggests that while arrow pushing can provide insights, the complexity of oxide reactions may require additional models for complete understanding.
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TL;DR Summary: When is arrow-pushing useless?

I tried a lot of time to explain

2 KMnO4 + 3 H2O2 → 2 MnO2 + 2 KOH + 2 H2O + 3 O2.​

My work: $$\mathrm{MnO}_4+\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2->\mathrm{MnO}_3+\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}+\mathrm{O}_{2}^{2-}-$$

$$\mathrm{MnO}_4->\mathrm{MnO}_2+\mathrm{O}_2$$.

The rest of these, I think the logic is the same, but I don't know if I can't figure this out because I'm bad or the arrow pushing is useless in explaining these reactions.

$$
\begin{gathered}
1 . \mathrm{HO}_2^{-}+\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2 \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{HO}_2+\mathrm{HO}+\mathrm{OH}^{-} \\
\mathrm{HO}_2+\mathrm{OH} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}+\mathrm{O}_2 \\
2 \mathrm{KMnO4}+3 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2 \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{MnO}_2+2 \mathrm{KOH}+\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}+3 \mathrm{O}_2 \\
2 \mathrm{HO} \mathrm{O}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{O}_2+\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2
\end{gathered}
$$
$$
\begin{gathered}
\mathrm{O}_2^{-}+\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{HO}_2+\mathrm{OH}^{-} \\
4 \mathrm{O}_2^{-}+2 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O} \rightarrow 3 \mathrm{O}_2+4 \mathrm{OH}^{-} \\
2 \mathrm{NaO}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{Na}_2 \mathrm{O}_2+\mathrm{O}_2
\end{gathered}
$$

1. $$(\mathrm{RO})_3 \mathrm{P}+\mathrm{O}_3 \longrightarrow(\mathrm{RO})_3 \mathrm{PO}_3$$
2. $$(\mathrm{RO})_3 \mathrm{PO}_3 \longrightarrow(\mathrm{RO})_3 \mathrm{PO}+{ }^1 \mathrm{O}_2$$
 
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Arrow pushing is basically useful for organic reactions, for inorganics not so.
 
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FAQ: Would arrow pushing explain the mechanism of these oxide reactions?

1. What is arrow pushing in organic chemistry?

Arrow pushing is a notation used in organic chemistry to illustrate the movement of electrons during chemical reactions. It involves the use of arrows to show the direction of electron flow, helping to visualize the breaking and forming of bonds in a reaction mechanism.

2. How does arrow pushing help in understanding oxide reactions?

Arrow pushing provides a clear visual representation of the electron transfer processes that occur during oxide reactions. By illustrating how electrons move between reactants, it helps chemists understand the sequence of events in the reaction mechanism, including bond formation and cleavage.

3. Can arrow pushing be applied to all types of oxide reactions?

While arrow pushing is a useful tool for many oxide reactions, it may not be applicable to all. Some reactions, particularly those involving complex mechanisms or non-classical pathways, may require additional methods or representations to fully capture the intricacies of the process.

4. What are some common examples of oxide reactions where arrow pushing is used?

Common examples include redox reactions involving metal oxides, such as the reduction of metal oxides to metals, and reactions of oxides with acids or bases. In these cases, arrow pushing can effectively illustrate the transfer of electrons and the formation of new chemical species.

5. Are there limitations to using arrow pushing for explaining oxide reactions?

Yes, there are limitations. Arrow pushing simplifies complex reactions and may not account for all factors influencing reaction pathways, such as steric effects, solvent interactions, or transition states. Thus, while it is a powerful tool, it should be used in conjunction with other methods for a comprehensive understanding of oxide reactions.

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