A Procedure for Balancing Redox Reactions in Basic Solution Using the Half-Reaction Method

1. Assign oxidation states.

2. Separate the overall reaction into two half-reactions.

3. Balance each half-reaction with respect to mass.

• Balance all elements other than H and O.

• Balance O by adding H2O.

• Balance H by adding H+.

• Neutralize H+ by adding OH−. Add the same number of OH− to each side of the equation (to preserve mass balance).

4. Balance each half-reaction with respect to charge by adding electrons.

5. Make the number of electrons in both half-reactions equal by multiplying.

6. Add the two half-reactions together.

7. Verify that the reaction is balanced.