Question

The reducing agent in the reaction $Al+F{e}^{3+}\to A{l}^{3+}+Fe$ is:

• A. $Fe$
• B. $Al$
• C. $A{l}^{3+}$
• D. $F{e}^{3+}$
• E. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B $Al$

In the reaction $Al+F{e}^{3+}\to A{l}^{3+}+Fe$, the oxidation number of $Al$ increases from 0 to +3.
$Al$ accepts 3 electrons to form $A{l}^{3+}$ ion.
Hence, $Al$ is oxidized (loss of electrons is oxidation) and acts as reducing agent.
$Al$ reduces ferric ions to $Fe$ metal. The oxidation number of iron decreases from +3 to 0.
Ferric ion gets 3 electrons to form iron metal. The gain of electrons is a reduction.