Which among the following compounds does not act as reducing agent ?

Options

A. `H_2O`
B. `H_2S`
C. `H_2Se`
D. `H_2Te`

Answer

To determine which of the following compounds does not act as a reducing agent, we will analyze each compound: H2O, H2S, H2Se, and H2Te.

### Step 1: Understand the concept of reducing agents
A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, reducing the oxidation state of that substance while itself being oxidized. Common reducing agents include metals and compounds that can easily lose electrons.

**Hint:** Remember that reducing agents are often substances that can easily give up electrons.

### Step 2: Analyze H2O (water)
Water (H2O) has strong hydrogen bonding due to its polar nature. This strong bonding makes it stable and less likely to participate in redox reactions. Therefore, H2O does not act as a reducing agent.

**Hint:** Consider the stability of the compound and its ability to donate electrons.

### Step 3: Analyze H2S (hydrogen sulfide)
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can act as a reducing agent. It can donate electrons to other substances, particularly in reactions where sulfur is oxidized.

**Hint:** Look for compounds that can easily lose electrons to determine if they are reducing agents.

### Step 4: Analyze H2Se (hydrogen selenide)
Hydrogen selenide (H2Se) also acts as a reducing agent. Like H2S, it can donate electrons, and its reducing power increases down the group in the periodic table.

**Hint:** Consider the trend in reducing power as you move down the group in the periodic table.

### Step 5: Analyze H2Te (hydrogen telluride)
Hydrogen telluride (H2Te) is another compound that acts as a reducing agent. It has a higher reducing power than H2S and H2Se due to the larger size and lower electronegativity of tellurium compared to sulfur and selenium.

**Hint:** Larger atoms in the same group often have increased reducing ability.

### Conclusion
Among the compounds listed, H2O does not act as a reducing agent, while H2S, H2Se, and H2Te do.

**Final Answer:** H2O does not act as a reducing agent.