Question

Identify oxidant and reductant in the following redox reactions.

$P_4+5O_2⟶P_4{O}_{10}$

• A. Oxidant: $O_2$ ; Reductant: $P_4{O}_{10}$
• B. Oxidant: $P_4$ ; Reductant: $O_2$
• C. Oxidant: $O_2$ ; Reductant: $P_4$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C Oxidant: $O_2$ ; Reductant: $P_4$

The balanced redox reaction is $P_4+5O_2⟶P_4{O}_{10}$.
The oxidation number of oxygen changes from 0 to -2. Thus, oxygen is reduced.
The oxidant is $O_2$.
The oxidation number of P changes from 0 to +5. Thus, P is oxidized.
The reductant is $P_4$.