The compound that cannot act both as oxidizing and reducing agent is

The compound that cannot act both as oxidizing and reducing agent is
  1. H3PO4
  2. HNO2
  3. H2SO3
  4. H2O2

Solution

In HNO2, Nitrogen has oxidation state +3, nitrogen has maximum oxidation state +5 and minimum -3, hence nitrous acid can act both as oxidizing and reducing agent.

Sulphur has maximum oxidation state +6 and minimum is -2, in H2SO3 sulphur has oxidation state +4, hence it can act as both oxidizing and reducing agent.

For oxygen maximum oxidation state is +2 and minimum is -2, in H2O2 Oxygen has oxidation state -1, hence it can act bot as oxidizing and reducing agent.

As in H3PO4, Phosphorous is present in it’s maximum oxidation state i.e., +5, hence it cannot act as reducing agent.

 

Asked in: JEE Main 2020 (09 Jan Shift 1)

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