Question

Can $PC{I}_5$ act as an oxidizing as well as a reducing agent? Justify.

Answer 1

In $PC{l}_5$, the oxidation number of P is +5 i.e., maximum, which cannot be increased further. So, $PC{I}_5$ cannot behave as a reducing agent. But it can decrease its oxidation number from + 5 to +3, so it can behave as an oxidizing agent. e.g.,

$2Ag+PC{l}_5\to 2AgCl+PC{l}_{3}Sn+2PC{l}_5\to SnC{l}_4+2PC{l}_3$