Question

A substance which participates readily in both acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions is:

• A. $N{a}_{2}C{O}_3$
• B. $KOH$
• C. $KMn{O}_4$
• D. $H_2{C}_2{O}_4$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $H_2{C}_2{O}_4$

Among the given options, $N{a}_{2}C{O}_3$ and $KOH$ acts as a base.
$Mn$ can possess various oxidation states from +2 to +7. Thus, $KMn{O}_4$ takes part in various oxidation-reduction reactions (in which $KMn{O}_4$ acts as oxidising agent because $Mn$ is in +7 oxidation state).
$H_2{C}_2{O}_4$ is commonly know as oxalic acid. It readily participates in an acid-base reaction owing to the presence of ionizable hydrogens. Again, we know that the concentration of acidic permanganate ion solution can be determined by titrating it with a known amount of oxalic acid. Here, at the end point, the oxidation state of carbon in oxalic acid changes from +3 to +4. Thus, it participates in an oxidation-reduction reaction also.