Question

Which of the following reactions is an example of a redox reaction ?

• A. $XeF _{6}+ H _{2} O \rightarrow XeOF _{4}+2 HF$
• B. $XeF _{6}+2 H _{2} O \rightarrow XeO _{2} F _{2}+4 HF$
• C. $XeF _{4}+ O _{2} F _{2} \rightarrow XeF _{6}+ O _{2}$
• D. $XeF _{2}+ PF _{5} \rightarrow[ XeF ]^{+} PF _{6}^{-}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The reaction $XeF _4+ O _2 F _2 \rightarrow XeF _6+ O _2$ is an example of a redox reaction.
The oxidation number of $Xe$ increases from $+4\left( XeF _4\right)$ to $+6\left( XeF _6\right)$. Hence, it is oxidised.

The oxidation number of oxygen decreases from $+1\left( O _2 F _2\right)$ to $0\left( O _2\right)$. Hence, it is reduced.