Hydrogen peroxide is an important compound of hydrogen and oxygen. It shows various types of properties and chemical reactions.
Hydrogen peroxide is not

Options

A. A reducing agent
B. An oxidising agent
C. A dehydrating agent
D. A bleaching agent

Answer

To determine which statement about hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is not true, we will analyze the properties and reactions of hydrogen peroxide step by step.

### Step 1: Understanding Hydrogen Peroxide as a Reducing Agent
Hydrogen peroxide can act as a reducing agent. This means it can donate electrons to other substances. For example, it can reduce potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) in a basic medium, where KMnO₄ is reduced from an oxidation state of +7 to +6, thus confirming that H₂O₂ acts as a reducing agent.

**Hint:** Look for reactions where H₂O₂ donates electrons to another compound.

### Step 2: Understanding Hydrogen Peroxide as an Oxidizing Agent
Hydrogen peroxide can also function as an oxidizing agent. This means it can accept electrons from other substances. An example is the oxidation of benzene to phenol in the presence of H₂O₂, where H₂O₂ oxidizes benzene.

**Hint:** Identify reactions where H₂O₂ accepts electrons from another compound.

### Step 3: Evaluating the Claim of Hydrogen Peroxide as a Dehydrating Agent
The statement that hydrogen peroxide is a dehydrating agent is incorrect. A dehydrating agent typically removes water from a substance, but H₂O₂ does not exhibit this property. Therefore, this statement is not true.

**Hint:** Recall the definition of a dehydrating agent and check if H₂O₂ fits that role.

### Step 4: Understanding Hydrogen Peroxide as a Bleaching Agent
Hydrogen peroxide is known to act as a bleaching agent. It can reduce chlorine, acting as an anti-chlorine in bleaching processes. This reaction occurs in a neutral medium, where chlorine is reduced to hydrochloric acid while H₂O₂ is oxidized to oxygen.

**Hint:** Consider the properties of H₂O₂ that allow it to bleach or lighten colors.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the properties of hydrogen peroxide, the statement that it is a dehydrating agent is not true. Therefore, the answer to the question is that hydrogen peroxide is not a dehydrating agent.

**Final Answer:** Hydrogen peroxide is not a dehydrating agent (Option C).