Question

Identify the reducing agent the following reaction fe2 o3 +3co 2fe + 3co2

Answer 1

We are given an oxocation (VO2 +) and two oxoanions (Cr2O7 2- and MnO4 -) of the transition metals. The ions in which the central metal atom is present in the highest oxidation state will have the highest oxidising power. In VO2 +, vanadium is present in the +5 oxidation state, while in Cr2O7 2- ion, Cr is present in the +6 oxidation state. Similarly in the MnO4 -, Mn is present in the +7 oxidation state. Thus as the oxidation state of the central metal atom increases in the order