Question

Out of $Fe{O}_4^{2-},Fe{Cl}_3,Fe{Cl}_2$ and $Fe$ :

• A. best reducing agent is $Fe$
• B. best oxidising agent is $Fe{O}_4^{2-}$
• C. best oxidising agent is $Fe{Cl}_3$
• D. best reducing agent is $Fe{O}_4^{2-}$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

The correct options are
A best reducing agent is $Fe$
B best oxidising agent is $Fe{O}_4^{2-}$

Species which has least oxidation number is oxidised and thus is the best reducing agent while species which has maximum oxidation number is reduced and thus is the best oxidising agent.

The oxidation number of Fe in $Fe,FeC{l}_2,FeC{l}_3$ and $Fe{O}_4^{2-}$ is $0,+2,+3$ and $+6$ respectively.

The oxidation number of iron in iron metal is lowest. It is easily oxidized. Hence, it is best reducing agent. Thus, option (A) is correct.

The oxidation number of $Fe{O}_4^{2-}$ is highest. It is easily reduced. Hence, it is best reducing agent. Thus, option (B) is also correct.