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KCET · Chemistry · Hydrogen

\( \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2} \) is

  1. A An oxidising agent
  2. B A reducing agent
  3. C Both oxidising and reducing agent
  4. D Neither oxidising nor reducing agent
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(C) Both oxidising and reducing agent

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

\( \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2} \) can act as both oxidizing as well as reducing agent in both acidic and basic media.
Oxidizing action:
In acidic media,
\( 2 \mathrm{~F} e^{2+}+2 \mathrm{H}^{+}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{~F} e^{3+}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \)
In basic media, \( 2 \mathrm{~F} e^{2+}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{~F} e^{3+}+2 \mathrm{OH}^{-} \)
Reducing action:
In acidic media,
\( \mathrm{HOCl}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+}+\mathrm{Cl}^{-}+\mathrm{O}_{2} \)
In basic media,
\( \mathrm{I}_{2}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}+2 \mathrm{OH}^{-} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{I}^{-}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}+\mathrm{O}_{2} \)