Question

Can PCl₅ act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent? Justify.

Answer 1

Hey !!

The oxidation state of P in PCl₅ is +5. As P has five electrons in its valence shell, it cannot increase its oxidation state beyond +5 by donating electrons, therefore PCl₅ cannot act as a reducing agent. However, it can decrease its oxidation number from +5 to +3 or some lower value. So, PCl₅ acts as an oxidising agent.

Example :- It oxidises Ag to AgCl and Sn to SnCl₄

Hope it helps you !!