Question

Among the following elements, which is the strongest reducing agent?

• A. Lithium
• B. Beryllium
• C. Chlorine
• D. Magnesium

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Lithium

Take a look at the electronic configuration of the given options.

Name of the element	Electronic configuration
Magnesium	2, 8, 2
Chlorine	2, 8, 7
Beryllium	2, 2
Lithium	2, 1

We know that a good reducing agent in terms of the electronic concept of reduction is one that can easily donate an electron and get oxidized.

Lithium needs to lose only one electron to obtain a stable duplet( The first shell can only have 2 electrons) therefore it can easily oxidise itself. It is, therefore, the strongest reducing agent in the given options.

Extra information: Lithium is the strongest reducing agent present in our periodic table as it has the highest ability to lose electrons easily.