Among the following acids , the one that can act as both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent is

Options

A. `HNO_2`
B. `HClO_4`
C. `HNO_3`
D. `H_2SO_4`

Answer

A

Explanation

In `H_2SO_4, HNO_3` and `HClO_4` , the central atoms, S,N, and Cl, are in their highest oxidation states , i.e., +6 , +5 and + 7 respectively. So , they can only act as oxidizing agents . The central N atom in `HNO_2` is in the oxidation state of +3 which may increase up to 5 or decrease. Hence, `HNO_2` can act as both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent.