Which of the following species can functon as an oxidising as well as reducing agent ?

Options

A. `Cl^(-)`
B. `ClO_(4)^(-)`
C. `ClO^(-)`
D. `MnO_(4)^(-)`

Answer

C

Explanation

`{:("Species","O.N."),(Cl^(-),-1),(ul(Cl)O_(4)^(-),+7),(ul(Cl)O^(-),+1),(ul(Mn)O_(4)^(-),+7),(ul(N)O_(3)^(-),+5):}`
In all the given species except `ClO^(-)`, the underlined elements are either in their minimum or maximum oxidation state and hence, they cannot further decrease or increase their oxidation states. In `ClO^(-)`, the oxidation state of Cl can be reducing agent.