Which of the following has lowest reducing character ?

Options

A. `H_(2) O `
B. `H_(2) S `
C. `H_(2) Te `
D. `H_(2) Se`

Explanation

To determine which of the given compounds has the lowest reducing character, we need to analyze the reducing ability of each compound based on their ability to donate hydrogen. The compounds in question are H2O, H2S, H2Se, and H2Te.

### Step 1: Understand Reducing Character
Reducing character refers to the ability of a substance to donate electrons or hydrogen to another substance. A good reducing agent will easily lose electrons or hydrogen, thus reducing another substance while getting oxidized itself.

**Hint:** Remember that the ability to donate hydrogen is a key factor in determining the reducing character.

### Step 2: Identify the Compounds
The compounds we have are:
- H2O (Water)
- H2S (Hydrogen sulfide)
- H2Se (Hydrogen selenide)
- H2Te (Hydrogen telluride)

**Hint:** List the compounds clearly to analyze them one by one.

### Step 3: Compare the Elements
The elements involved are from Group 16 of the periodic table:
- Oxygen (O)
- Sulfur (S)
- Selenium (Se)
- Tellurium (Te)

As we move down the group from oxygen to tellurium, the atomic size increases, and the ability to donate hydrogen generally increases due to weaker bonds formed with hydrogen.

**Hint:** Recall that larger atoms tend to form weaker bonds with hydrogen, making it easier for them to donate hydrogen.

### Step 4: Analyze Bond Strength
- **H2O**: The bond between hydrogen and oxygen is strong due to effective overlap of the 1s orbital of hydrogen and the 2p orbital of oxygen.
- **H2S**: The bond is weaker than H2O but still relatively strong.
- **H2Se**: The bond is weaker than H2S.
- **H2Te**: The bond is the weakest among these due to the larger size of tellurium and the poor overlap with hydrogen.

**Hint:** Consider how the size of the atom affects bond strength and the ability to donate hydrogen.

### Step 5: Determine Reducing Character
Since H2Te has the weakest bond and can easily donate hydrogen, it has a high reducing character. Conversely, H2O has the strongest bond and is less likely to donate hydrogen, thus having the lowest reducing character.

**Hint:** The weaker the bond, the higher the reducing character; the stronger the bond, the lower the reducing character.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis, H2O (water) has the lowest reducing character among the given options.

**Final Answer:** H2O has the lowest reducing character.