Q18 / 75 · JEE Main 2020 (09 Jan Shift 1) · Chemistry

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

  • Correct answer
    A
    H3PO4
  • B
    HNO2
  • C
    H2SO3
  • D
    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.

 

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

Relevant Questions