Question

In which the following reactions hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂) acts as a reducing agents

(a) H₂O₂ + 2H⁺ + 2e ----> 2H₂O

(b) H₂O₂ - 2e ----> O₂ + 2H⁺

(c) H₂O₂ + 2e ----> 2OH

(d) H₂O₂ + 2OH - 2e ----> O₂ + 2H₂O

Answer 1

(b) H₂O₂ ----> O₂ + 2H⁺ + 2e^-

Oxidation state of O changes from -1 in H₂O₂ to 0 in O₂. Since it is getting oxidised, therefore it is reducing agent.

(d) H₂O₂ + 2OH^- ----> O₂ + 2H₂O +2e^-

Oxidation state of O changes from -1 in H₂O₂ to 0 in O₂. Since it is getting oxidised, therefore it is reducing agent.

In (b) and (d) H₂O₂ act as reducing agent.