Question

The oxide which cannot act as a reducing agent is

• A. ${NO_2}$
• B. ${SO_2}$
• C. ${CO_2}$
• D. ${ClO_2}$

Hint:

Reducing agents are substances that have the capacity to donate electrons, leading to the reduction of another species in a chemical reaction.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The given question is about identifying the oxide that cannot act as a reducing agent. Let's analyze the options provided:

1. NO_2: Nitrogen dioxide can act as both an oxidizing and reducing agent depending on the reacting substance. It is capable of undergoing further reduction.
2. SO_2: Sulfur dioxide is a well-known reducing agent. It can donate electrons to other substances and reduce them.
3. CO_2: Carbon dioxide is a fully oxidized form of carbon, and it lacks the ability to donate electrons, making it a poor reducing agent.
4. ClO_2: Chlorine dioxide can act as both an oxidizing and reducing agent. However, it is more commonly recognized for its oxidizing properties.

From this analysis, CO_2 is clearly identified as the oxide that cannot act as a reducing agent. This is mainly because carbon is already in its maximum oxidation state (+4) in CO_2, and it cannot further donate electrons or reduce other substances.

Thus, the correct answer is CO_2.