Question

Which of the following is the best reducing agent?

a. Cl2 → 2Cl⁻ E⁰ = 1.36 V
b. Mg²+ + 2e⁻ → Mg E⁰ = -2.37 V
c. 2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H2 E⁰ = 0.00 V
d. All are equally good reducing agents

Answer 1

The best reducing agent is Cl2 (chlorine gas) which is reduced to Cl⁻ (chloride ion).

Step-by-step explanation:

The best reducing agent is the one that is most easily oxidized. In this case, we need to compare the standard reduction potentials (E°) for each reaction. The reaction with the most positive E° value is the best reducing agent because it wants to be oxidized more strongly. Looking at the given reactions, we find that option (a) has the highest E° value of 1.36 V, so the best reducing agent is Cl2 (chlorine gas) which is reduced to Cl⁻ (chloride ion).