Which one among the following is the mild oxdizing agent?

Options

A. `CrO_(2)Cl_(2)`
B. `K_(2)Cr_(2)O_(7)`
C. `KMnO_(4)`
D. `HNO_(3)`

Answer

To determine which compound among the given options is a mild oxidizing agent, we will analyze the oxidation states of the elements in each compound and their corresponding oxidizing strengths.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Oxidizing Agents**:
An oxidizing agent is a substance that facilitates the oxidation of another compound by accepting electrons. The strength of an oxidizing agent is related to its oxidation state and reduction potential.

**Hint**: Remember that a higher oxidation state usually indicates a stronger oxidizing agent.

2. **Analyzing the Given Compounds**:
We will calculate the oxidation states of the central metal in each compound provided.

- **Chromyl Chloride (CrO2Cl2)**:
- Let the oxidation state of Cr be \( x \).
- The equation is: \( x + 2(-2) + 2(0) = 0 \)
- Solving gives \( x = +6 \).

- **Potassium Dichromate (K2Cr2O7)**:
- Let the oxidation state of Cr be \( x \).
- The equation is: \( 2 + 2x + 7(-2) = 0 \)
- Solving gives \( 2x - 12 + 2 = 0 \) → \( 2x = 10 \) → \( x = +6 \).

- **Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4)**:
- Let the oxidation state of Mn be \( x \).
- The equation is: \( 1 + x + 4(-2) = 0 \)
- Solving gives \( x - 8 + 1 = 0 \) → \( x = +7 \).

- **Nitric Acid (HNO3)**:
- Let the oxidation state of N be \( x \).
- The equation is: \( 1 + x + 3(-2) = 0 \)
- Solving gives \( x - 6 + 1 = 0 \) → \( x = +5 \).

3. **Comparing Oxidation States**:
- CrO2Cl2: +6
- K2Cr2O7: +6
- KMnO4: +7
- HNO3: +5

**Hint**: The oxidation state indicates the potential strength of the oxidizing agent; higher values generally mean stronger oxidizing agents.

4. **Identifying the Mild Oxidizing Agent**:
- Among the compounds analyzed, both CrO2Cl2 and K2Cr2O7 have the same oxidation state of +6, while KMnO4 (+7) and HNO3 (+5) have higher and lower oxidation states, respectively.
- However, K2Cr2O7 is known to be a very strong oxidizing agent due to the presence of multiple oxygen atoms. In contrast, CrO2Cl2 has fewer oxygen atoms, making it a milder oxidizing agent.

5. **Conclusion**:
Therefore, the mild oxidizing agent among the given options is **Chromyl Chloride (CrO2Cl2)**.

### Final Answer:
**Chromyl Chloride (CrO2Cl2)** is the mild oxidizing agent.