Question

Which of the following species can function both as oxidation as well as reduction agent ?

• A. ${Cl}^{-}$
• B. ${ClO}_4^{-}$
• C. ${ClO}^{-}$
• D. ${MnO}_4^{-}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

${ClO}^{-}$

$\underset{O.N.}{Species}\underset{-1}{C{l}^{-}}\underset{+7}{Cl{O}_4^{-}}\underset{+1}{Cl{O}^{-}}\underset{+7}{Mn{O}_4^{-}}$

In all the given species except $Cl{O}^{-}$ the central atom is either in their minimum or maximum oxidation state and hence, they cannot further decrease or increase their oxidation states.

In $Cl{O}^{-}$ the oxidation state of Cl can be oxidizing as well as reducing agent.