Identify the reducing agent in the following reactions:
(a) 4NH3 + 5O2→ 4NO + 6H2O
(b) H2O + F2→ HF + HOF
(c) Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
(d) 2H2 + O2→ 2H2O
Reducing agent: A reducing agent is an element that loses electrons.
The reducing agent means to loose electrons; it is said to have been oxidized.
The element which undergoes oxidation (gets oxidized) is called reducing agent.
a) NH3 is reducing agent
4NH3 + 5O2→ 4NO + 6H2O
In the given reaction, nitrogen is oxidized to NO by gaining oxygen atom. Thus, NH3 is reducing agent as it undergoes oxidation.
b) F2 is reducing agent
H2O + F2→ HF + HOF
In the given reaction, F2 is oxidized to HOF by gaining hydrogen atom. Thus, F2 is reducing agent as it undergoes oxidation.
(c) CO is reducing agent
Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
In the given reaction, CO is oxidized to CO2 by gaining oxygen atom. Thus, CO is reducing agent as it undergoes oxidation.
(d) H2 is reducing agent
2H2 + O2→ 2H2O
In the given reaction, 2H2 is oxidized to 2H2O by gaining oxygen atom. Thus, 2H2 is reducing agent as it undergoes oxidation.