Question

name the reducing agent in the following reaction . 3MnO2+4Al---------- 3mn +2Al2O2 and justify your answer​

Answer 1

Al is ‘more reactive’ than Mn as it replaces the Mn from its compound.

3MnO2 + 4AL ------> 3Mn + 2AL2O3

Here  changes to Mn. The ‘oxidation number’ of Mn in  is +4 whereas the oxidation number of Mn is zero. Hence the change in oxidation number occurs from +4 to 0. Overall oxidation number decreases hence it is reduction and  is called as oxidizing agent.

On the contrary, the oxidation number of Al is zero and it changes to +3 in . Hence the ‘oxidation number increases’ so it is an oxidation reaction and Al is a reducing agent.