Reducing Agents: H2, Cl2, I2, MnO4-, C

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In summary, reducing agents are substances that donate electrons to other substances, causing them to undergo reduction reactions. Some common examples include hydrogen gas, chlorine gas, and permanganate ions. They work by transferring electrons to decrease the oxidation state of the substance being reduced. Reducing agents are typically electron-rich, good conductors of electricity, and have low ionization energies. They are used in various chemical reactions, organic synthesis, purification of metals, and as a source of electrons in batteries and fuel cells.
  • #1
parwana
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Which of the following are reducing agents ?


a) H2


b) Cl2


c) I2


d) MnO4-


e) C




I would think abcd would be good reducing agents, but that isn't right.
 
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  • #2
classifing a reactant as a reducing agent depends on what is reacting with what
 
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I would like to clarify that all of the given options (H2, Cl2, I2, MnO4-, and C) can act as reducing agents under certain conditions. A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, causing it to undergo reduction (a decrease in oxidation state) in a chemical reaction.

In the case of H2, it is a strong reducing agent because it readily donates its electrons to other substances, such as in the reaction 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O.

Similarly, Cl2 and I2 can also act as reducing agents in certain reactions, such as in the formation of hydrochloric acid (Cl2 + H2 -> 2HCl) or in the production of iodine from iodide ions (2I- -> I2 + 2e-).

MnO4- (manganate ion) is a strong oxidizing agent in acidic solutions, but it can also act as a reducing agent in basic solutions, such as in the reaction 2MnO4- + 5C2O4^2- + 16H+ -> 2Mn2+ + 10CO2 + 8H2O.

Lastly, C (carbon) can also act as a reducing agent in various reactions, such as in the extraction of metals from their oxides (e.g. Fe2O3 + 3C -> 2Fe + 3CO).

In summary, all of the given options can act as reducing agents under certain conditions, making them important substances in various chemical reactions and processes.
 

1. What are reducing agents?

Reducing agents are substances that have the ability to donate electrons to other substances, causing them to undergo reduction reactions. They are typically electron-rich and have a high tendency to be oxidized.

2. What are some examples of reducing agents?

Some common examples of reducing agents include hydrogen gas (H2), chlorine gas (Cl2), iodine gas (I2), permanganate ions (MnO4-), and carbon (C).

3. How do reducing agents work?

Reducing agents work by donating electrons to other substances, causing them to undergo reduction reactions. This transfer of electrons results in a decrease in the oxidation state of the substance being reduced.

4. What are the properties of reducing agents?

Reducing agents are typically electron-rich and have a high tendency to lose electrons. They are also usually good conductors of electricity and have low ionization energies.

5. How are reducing agents used in chemistry?

Reducing agents are used in various chemical reactions, such as in the production of metals from their ores, in organic synthesis, and in the purification of metals. They are also used in batteries and fuel cells as a source of electrons.

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