The oxidant which cannot act as a reducing agent is

Options

A. `CO_(2)`
B. `SO_(2)`
C. `NO_(2)`
D. `CICO_(2)`

Answer

A

Explanation

Reducing agent is one which donate electrons.
(a) `CO_(2)`, oxidation state of carbon in `CO_(2)` is `+4` which is the highest oxidation state of carbon. `therefore CO_(2)` cannot act as reducing agent.
(b) `SO_(2)`, oxidatino state of sulphur in `SO_(2)` is `+4`. The highest oxidation state of sulphur is `+6`.
`therefore SO_(2)` can act as reducing agent.
(c) `NO_(2)`, oxidation state of nitrogen in `NO_(2)` is `+4`
The highest oxidation state of nitrogen is `+5`.
`therefore NO_(2)` can act as reducing agent.
(d) `CIO_(2)`, oxidation state of chlorine in `CIO_(2)` is `+4`.
The highest oxidation state of chlorine is `+7`.
`therefore CIO_(2)` can act as reducing agent.