Strongest oxidant among the following is

Options

A. `VO_(2)^(+)`
B. `Cr_(2)O_(7)^(-2)`
C. `MnO_(4)^(-)`
D. `MnO_(4)^(-2)`

Answer

To determine the strongest oxidant among the given species (Vo2+, Cr2O7^2-, MnO4^-, and MnO4^2-), we need to analyze the oxidation states of the metals in each compound. The species with the highest oxidation state of the metal will generally be the strongest oxidizing agent.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Species**: The species we need to analyze are:
- Vo2+
- Cr2O7^2-
- MnO4^-
- MnO4^2-

2. **Calculate the Oxidation State of Vanadium in Vo2+**:
- The formula for Vo2+ indicates that there are 2 oxygen atoms.
- The oxidation state of oxygen is -2.
- Therefore, for 2 oxygen atoms: 2 × (-2) = -4.
- Let the oxidation state of vanadium be \( x \).
- The equation becomes: \( x + (-4) = +1 \) (since Vo2+ has a charge of +1).
- Solving for \( x \): \( x = +5 \).
- **Oxidation state of vanadium in Vo2+ is +5**.

3. **Calculate the Oxidation State of Chromium in Cr2O7^2-**:
- The formula for Cr2O7^2- indicates that there are 7 oxygen atoms.
- For 7 oxygen atoms: 7 × (-2) = -14.
- Let the oxidation state of chromium be \( x \).
- The equation becomes: \( 2x + (-14) = -2 \) (since Cr2O7^2- has a charge of -2).
- Solving for \( x \): \( 2x = 12 \) → \( x = +6 \).
- **Oxidation state of chromium in Cr2O7^2- is +6**.

4. **Calculate the Oxidation State of Manganese in MnO4^-**:
- The formula for MnO4^- indicates that there are 4 oxygen atoms.
- For 4 oxygen atoms: 4 × (-2) = -8.
- Let the oxidation state of manganese be \( x \).
- The equation becomes: \( x + (-8) = -1 \) (since MnO4^- has a charge of -1).
- Solving for \( x \): \( x = +7 \).
- **Oxidation state of manganese in MnO4^- is +7**.

5. **Calculate the Oxidation State of Manganese in MnO4^2-**:
- The formula for MnO4^2- indicates that there are 4 oxygen atoms.
- For 4 oxygen atoms: 4 × (-2) = -8.
- Let the oxidation state of manganese be \( x \).
- The equation becomes: \( x + (-8) = -2 \) (since MnO4^2- has a charge of -2).
- Solving for \( x \): \( x = +6 \).
- **Oxidation state of manganese in MnO4^2- is +6**.

6. **Compare the Oxidation States**:
- Vo2+: +5
- Cr2O7^2-: +6
- MnO4^-: +7
- MnO4^2-: +6

7. **Identify the Strongest Oxidant**:
- The species with the highest oxidation state is MnO4^- (manganese with an oxidation state of +7).
- Therefore, **the strongest oxidant among the given options is MnO4^-**.

### Final Answer:
The strongest oxidant among the following is **MnO4^-**.