Question

Name one example of reaction in which dihydrogen acts (i) as an oxidizing agent (ii) as a reducing agent.

Answer 1

(i) In the reaction of dihydrogen with metals to form metal hydride it acts as an oxidizing agent 

2Na(s) +H₂ (g) --------------> 2Na⁺H

Here Na has oxidized to Na⁺ and Dihydrogen is reduced to hydride (H^- ) ion 

(ii) In the reaction of heated cupric oxide with dihydrogen to form H₂O and copper metal dihydrogen acts as a reducing agent 

CuO(s) +H₂ (g) ------------> Cu(s) +H₂O