Question

Identify from the following reaction : H2S + Cl2 → 2HCl + S a. Component oxidized b. Oxidizing agent

Answer 1

Method 1
If we see the reactant and product, we will find that, there is removal of H from H₂S to S, so H₂S is oxidized S.
Whereas there is addition of H from Cl₂ to HCl, so Cl₂ is reduced.
Hence, Cl₂ will be the oxidizing agent, which itself get reduced.

Method 2
Oxidation number method
reactant                           product
H = +1                              H= +1
S= -2                                S= 0     -------oxidized
Cl = 0                               Cl = -1--------- reduced, hence oxidizing agent