Which of the following species can function both as oxidizing as well as reducing agent?

Options

A. `MnO_(4)^(-)`
B. `NO_(3)^(-)`
C. `ClO_(4)^(-)`
D. aaeaq

Answer

To determine which species can function both as an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, we need to analyze the oxidation states of the elements in each species provided in the options.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Species:**
- The species we need to analyze are:
- MnO4^-
- NO3^-
- ClO4^-
- ClO^-

2. **Analyze MnO4^-:**
- The oxidation state of Mn in MnO4^- can be calculated as follows:
- Let the oxidation state of Mn be x.
- The equation becomes: x + 4(-2) = -1
- Solving this gives: x - 8 = -1 → x = +7
- Since Mn is in the maximum oxidation state (+7), it cannot act as a reducing agent (it cannot lose more electrons). Therefore, MnO4^- can only act as an oxidizing agent.

3. **Analyze NO3^-:**
- The oxidation state of N in NO3^- can be calculated:
- Let the oxidation state of N be x.
- The equation becomes: x + 3(-2) = -1
- Solving this gives: x - 6 = -1 → x = +5
- As nitrogen is also in its maximum oxidation state (+5), it can only act as an oxidizing agent and not as a reducing agent.

4. **Analyze ClO4^-:**
- The oxidation state of Cl in ClO4^- can be calculated:
- Let the oxidation state of Cl be x.
- The equation becomes: x + 4(-2) = -1
- Solving this gives: x - 8 = -1 → x = +7
- Chlorine is in the maximum oxidation state (+7) and can only act as an oxidizing agent.

5. **Analyze ClO^-:**
- The oxidation state of Cl in ClO^- can be calculated:
- Let the oxidation state of Cl be x.
- The equation becomes: x + (-2) = -1
- Solving this gives: x - 2 = -1 → x = +1
- Since Cl is in the oxidation state of +1, it can both gain electrons (acting as an oxidizing agent) and lose electrons (acting as a reducing agent). Therefore, ClO^- can function as both an oxidizing and reducing agent.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Among the given species, only ClO^- can act as both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent.

### Final Answer:
The species that can function both as an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent is **ClO^-**.

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