Question

Which of the following species can function both as oxidising as well as reducing agent?

• A. $ C{{l}^{-}} $
• B. $ ClO_{4}^{-} $
• C. $ Cl{{O}^{-}} $
• D. $ MnO_{4}^{-} $
• E. $ NO_{3}^{-} $

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

In all the given species except $ Cl{{O}^{-}}, $ the central atoms are either in their minimum or maximum oxidation states and hence, they cannot further decrease or increase their oxidation states. In $ Cl{{O}^{-}}, $ the oxidation state of $ Cl $ can be increased or decreased when it acts as oxidizing or reducing agents.