Question

Which of the following has the highest reducing nature among the following?
$A{s}_2{O}_3,B{i}_2{O}_3,A{s}_2{O}_5,B{i}_2{O}_5$

• A. $A{s}_2{O}_3$
• B. $B{i}_2{O}_3$
• C. $A{s}_2{O}_3$
• D. $B{i}_2{O}_5$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $A{s}_2{O}_3$

The oxides in lower oxidation state (i.e. $+3$) will act as reducing agents.
Down the group, the stability of $+3$ oxidation state of group $15$ elements increases due to the inert pair effect. Therefore, the reducing nature decreases down the group.
Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.