right approach?

[ChemSiddiqui]

Hey everyone,

 

I was doing some past papers and this question (see below) came up. I am not sure If my answer is correct or not, but maybe you can comment on it and tell me.

 

Is [Hg2]2+ stable towards disproportionation?

 

+0.91 +0.77

Hg^2+ ----------> [Hg2]^2+ ------------> Hg

 

I would say that the [Hg2]2+ is not stable towards disproportionation as the the potentail to the right of species [Hg2]2+ on the latimer diagram is lower than the potential on the left of species.

 

Do you think that this is right approach (qualitatively) to answer this question or might I have to use Delta G to confirm my reasoning?

 

your comments will be much appreciated.

 

thanks.