Question

Identify the oxidant and the reductant in the following reaction:
$2FeC{l}_2+H_2{O}_2+2HCl\to 2FeC{l}_3+2H_{2}O$

• A. $H_2{O}_2,HCl$
• B. $H_2{O}_2,FeC{l}_2$
• C. $FeC{l}_2,H_2{O}_2$
• D. $FeC{l}_2,HCl$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $H_2{O}_2,FeC{l}_2$

The given redox reaction is
$2FeC{l}_2+H_2{O}_2+2HCl\to 2FeC{l}_3+2H_{2}O$
$+2-1+3-2$
A species which loses electron in a redox reaction is called as reducing agent/reductant.
$2FeC{l}_2\text{(reductant)}\to 2FeC{l}_3$(oxidation half)
$+2+3$
Here, $FeC{l}_2$ is lossing reagent so it is a reductant.
A species which gains electron in a redox reaction is called as oxidising agent/oxidant.
$H_2{O}_2\text{(oxidant)}\to 2H_{2}O$(Reduction half)
$-1-2$
Here, $H_2{O}_2$ is gaining electron so it is an oxidant.