Question

When a oxidising agent teacts with a reducing agent a product of lowere oxditation state is formed when the reducingreagent is in execess?

Answer 1

Whenever a reaction between an oxidising agent and a reducing agent is carried out, a compound of lower oxidation state is formed if the reducing agent is in excess and a compound of higher oxidation state is formed if the oxidising agent is in excess. 

Answer 2

Whenever a reaction between an oxidising agent and a reducing agent is carried out, a compound of lower oxidation state is formed if the reducing agent is in excess and a compound of higher oxidation state is formed if the oxidising agent is in excess. This can be illustrated as follows:

(i) P 4 and F 2 are reducing and oxidising agents respectively. If an excess of P 4 is treated with F 2 , then PF 3 will be produced, wherein the oxidation number (O.N.) of P is+3. +3 P, (excess) + P, —> P F3 However, if P 4 is treated with an excess of F 2 , then PF 5 will be produced, wherein the O.N. of P is +5. +5 P4 + F2 (excess) —> P F5