Question

Explain why HNO2 behaves both as oxidising as well as reducing agent ?​

Answer 1

Answer:

The oxidation number of nitrogen in HNO3 can only decrease; thus it acts as an oxidising agent. In HNO2, the oxidation number of nitrogen is +3. Thus, it can increase or decrease within the range −3 to +5. Hence, it can act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent.

Answer 2

Answer:

The oxidation number of nitrogen in HNO3 can only decrease; thus it acts as an oxidising agent. In HNO2, the oxidation number of nitrogen is +3. Thus, it can increase or decrease within the range −3 to +5. Hence, it can act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent