Which is a stronger reducing agent Cr2+ or Fe2+ and why ?
Question
Which is a stronger reducing agent Cr2+ or Fe2+ and why ?
Solution
The strength of a reducing agent is determined by its ability to lose electrons, or its reduction potential. The lower the reduction potential, the stronger the reducing agent.
Looking at the standard reduction potentials, we have:
Cr3+ + e- -> Cr2+ E° = -0.41 V Fe3+ + e- -> Fe2+ E° = +0.77 V
The reduction potential for the Cr3+/Cr2+ couple is lower than that for the Fe3+/Fe2+ couple, which means Cr2+ is a stronger reducing agent than Fe2+.
This is because Cr2+ is more eager to lose an electron to become Cr3+ compared to Fe2+ becoming Fe3+. Therefore, Cr2+ is a stronger reducing agent than Fe2+.
Similar Questions
Which one among the following metals is the weakest reducing agent?KRbNaLi
The strongest reducing agent amont the following is:NH3SbH3BiH3PH3
Which of the following is the most powerful oxidizing agentF2Cl2Br2I2
Which of the following is/are correct?Of the 3d4 species, Cr+2 is reducing while Mn3+ is oxidising in natureCobalt (II) is stable in aqueous solution. However, in the presence of certain complexing reagents it easily oxidisedThe ions with d1 configuration can easily lose one more electronNa2Cr2O7 is preferred over K2Cr2O7 in volumetric analysis
Consider the cell potentials E∘Mg2+|Mg = −2.37V and E∘Fe2+|Fe = −0.04V . The best reducing agent among the above would be:
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.