During the reaction `C_6H_12O_6+6O_2 to 6CO_2+6H_2O` which compound is reduced ?

Options

A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Glucose
D. Water

Answer

To determine which compound is reduced in the reaction \( C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the concept of reduction and oxidation
- Reduction is defined as the gain of electrons or hydrogen, or the loss of oxygen. Conversely, oxidation is the loss of electrons or hydrogen, or the gain of oxygen.

### Step 2: Identify the compounds involved in the reaction
- The reactants in the reaction are glucose (\( C_6H_{12}O_6 \)) and oxygen (\( O_2 \)).
- The products are carbon dioxide (\( CO_2 \)) and water (\( H_2O \)).

### Step 3: Analyze the changes in oxidation states
- In glucose (\( C_6H_{12}O_6 \)), the carbon atoms are in a reduced state.
- In oxygen (\( O_2 \)), the oxidation state is 0.
- In carbon dioxide (\( CO_2 \)), the oxidation state of carbon is +4.
- In water (\( H_2O \)), the oxidation state of oxygen is -2.

### Step 4: Determine which compound is reduced
- Since oxygen (\( O_2 \)) is converted to water (\( H_2O \)), it is gaining electrons (or hydrogen) in the form of water. Therefore, oxygen is being reduced in this reaction.

### Conclusion
- The compound that is reduced during the reaction \( C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O \) is oxygen (\( O_2 \)).

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