The compound that cannot act both as oxidising and reducing agent is:
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JEE MAIN 2020
A
H2SO3
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B
H2O2
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C
H3PO4
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D
HNO2
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Solution
The correct option is CH3PO4 A reducing agent is that which can release electrons.
An oxidizing agent is that which can accept electrons easily.
Oxidation number of P in H3PO4:
3(+1)+x+4(−2)=0 3+x−8=0 x=+5
Here, P has its highest oxidation state +5 implying that it cannot further release more electrons to act as a reducing agent. Therefore, H3PO4 can act only as an oxidizing agent.