Question

$H{NO}_2$ acts both are reductant and oxidant, while $H{NO}_3$ acts only as oxidant. It is due to their

• A. Solubility ability
• B. Maximum oxidation number
• C. Minimum oxidation number
• D. Minimum number of valence electrons

Answer 1

The correct option is B Maximum oxidation number

In $H\stackrel{\ast }{N}{O}_2$ oxidation number of $N=+3$ so it can acts both are reductant and oxidant since it is the intermediate oxidation state for $N.$

In $H\stackrel{\ast }{N}{O}_3$ oxidation number of $N=+5$ so it can acts only as oxidant since it is the maximum oxidation number for $N.$