Question

What is the reason for Eu2+ being a good reducing agent ?

Answer 1

On oxidation release of the electrons takes place so after the removal of 2 electrons it got a half field stable electronic configuration of 4f 7. Hence it acts as a strong reducing agent.

Answer 2

Hey dear,

● Reducing agent -
- A reducing agent is an element or compound that loses an electron to another chemical species in a redox chemical reaction.
- Simply, it's an electron donor.

● Eu2+ is strong reducing agent because -
- Electronic configuration of the Eu is [Xe] 4f7 6s2.
- In Eu2+ ion, with removal of 2 electrons, it gets stable electronic configuration [Xe] 4f7 due to half filled f-orbital.
- Eu2+ is easily available to donate electrons, thus it's a good reducing
agent.

Hope this helps you...