Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidising agent, both in the acidic
and alkaline medium.
In acidic medium: `H_(2)O_(2)+2H^(o+)+2e^(ɵ)to2H_(2)O`
In alkaline medium: `H_(2)O_(2)+2e^(ɵ)to2overset(Theta)(O)H`
Hydrogen peroxide acts as a reducing agent towards powerful oxidising agents.
In acidic medium: `H_(2)O_(2)to2H^(o+)+O_(2)+2e^(ɵ)` In alkaline
medium, however, its reducing nature is more effective.
`H_(2)O_(2)to2H^(o+)+O_(2)+2e^(ɵ)`
`H_2O_2` behaves as a bleaching agent due to

Options

A. oxidising nature
B. reducing nature
C. acidic nature
D. unstable nature

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question:**
The question asks why hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) behaves as a bleaching agent. We need to analyze its properties and reactions to determine the correct reason.

2. **Identifying the Properties of H₂O₂:**
Hydrogen peroxide is known to act as both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent. In acidic and alkaline mediums, it can either donate electrons or accept them.

3. **Oxidizing Nature of H₂O₂:**
In the context of bleaching, the oxidizing nature of H₂O₂ is crucial. It can release nascent oxygen (O) when it decomposes, which is a highly reactive form of oxygen.

4. **Decomposition Reaction:**
The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide can be represented as:
\[ 2H₂O₂ \rightarrow 2H₂O + O \]
Here, nascent oxygen is produced, which is responsible for the bleaching action.

5. **Interaction with Coloring Matter:**
The nascent oxygen produced from the decomposition of H₂O₂ reacts with coloring matter (the substances that cause color in materials). This reaction leads to the oxidation of the coloring matter, effectively removing the color.

6. **Final Conclusion:**
Therefore, the bleaching action of hydrogen peroxide is due to its oxidizing nature, as it oxidizes the coloring matter, resulting in a colorless product.

**Answer:**
Hydrogen peroxide behaves as a bleaching agent due to its oxidizing nature.

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