In the reaction `MnO_(2)+4HCl to MnCl_(2)+2H_(2)O+Cl_(2)`

Options

A. `MnO_(2)` is being reduced to `MnCl_(2)`
B. HCl is being reduced to `Cl_(2)`
C. `MnO_(2)` is acting as a reducing agent
D. HCl is an oxidant

Explanation

To analyze the reaction \( \text{MnO}_2 + 4\text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{MnCl}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{Cl}_2 \), we need to determine the oxidation states of the elements involved and identify which species are oxidized and reduced.

### Step 1: Determine the oxidation states
- In \( \text{MnO}_2 \), manganese (Mn) has an oxidation state of +4 (since oxygen is -2 and there are two oxygen atoms).
- In \( \text{MnCl}_2 \), manganese (Mn) has an oxidation state of +2 (since each chlorine atom is -1 and there are two chlorine atoms).
- In \( \text{HCl} \), chlorine (Cl) has an oxidation state of -1.
- In \( \text{Cl}_2 \), chlorine (Cl) has an oxidation state of 0.

### Step 2: Identify changes in oxidation states
- The oxidation state of Mn changes from +4 in \( \text{MnO}_2 \) to +2 in \( \text{MnCl}_2 \). This indicates that Mn is reduced (gaining electrons).
- The oxidation state of Cl changes from -1 in \( \text{HCl} \) to 0 in \( \text{Cl}_2 \). This indicates that Cl is oxidized (losing electrons).

### Step 3: Determine the reducing and oxidizing agents
- A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons and is oxidized in the process. Here, \( \text{HCl} \) is acting as the reducing agent because it is losing electrons (oxidized).
- An oxidizing agent is a substance that accepts electrons and is reduced in the process. Here, \( \text{MnO}_2 \) is acting as the oxidizing agent because it is gaining electrons (reduced).

### Conclusion
From the analysis, we can conclude:
- \( \text{MnO}_2 \) is reduced to \( \text{MnCl}_2 \).
- \( \text{HCl} \) is oxidized to \( \text{Cl}_2 \).
- Therefore, \( \text{MnO}_2 \) acts as an oxidizing agent, and \( \text{HCl} \) acts as a reducing agent.

### Final Answer
The correct statement regarding the reaction is that \( \text{MnO}_2 \) is reduced to \( \text{MnCl}_2 \), and \( \text{HCl} \) is oxidized to \( \text{Cl}_2 \).