Derivative of nitrogen (III) act as

Options

A. Oxidizing agent only
B. reducing agent only
C. both oxidizing and reducing agent
D. nitrating agent

Answer

To solve the question regarding the derivative of nitrogen (III) and its behavior as an oxidizing or reducing agent, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Oxidation State**:
The term "derivative of nitrogen (III)" indicates that we are dealing with a nitrogen compound where nitrogen has an oxidation state of +3. A common example of such a compound is nitrous acid (HNO2).

2. **Determine the Oxidation State in HNO2**:
In HNO2, we can calculate the oxidation state of nitrogen (N) using the known oxidation states of hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O):
- Hydrogen (H) = +1
- Oxygen (O) = -2 (since there are two oxygen atoms, the total contribution is -4)
- Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be x.

The equation can be set up as:
\[ +1 + x + (-4) = 0 \]
Simplifying this gives:
\[ x - 3 = 0 \implies x = +3 \]

3. **Understand the Range of Oxidation States for Nitrogen**:
The oxidation state of nitrogen can vary from -3 to +5. Therefore, the oxidation states that nitrogen can take are:
- +5 (e.g., in nitric acid, HNO3)
- +3 (as we calculated in HNO2)
- 0 (in elemental nitrogen, N2)
- -3 (in ammonia, NH3)

4. **Determine the Behavior of Nitrogen (III)**:
Since nitrogen in the +3 oxidation state can either lose electrons to reach a higher oxidation state (+5) or gain electrons to reach a lower oxidation state (0 or -3), it can act as both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent:
- **Oxidizing Agent**: When it is oxidized from +3 to +5.
- **Reducing Agent**: When it is reduced from +3 to -3.

5. **Conclusion**:
Therefore, the derivative of nitrogen (III) acts as both an oxidizing and reducing agent.

### Final Answer:
The correct option is **C**: Derivative of nitrogen (III) acts as both an oxidizing and reducing agent.