a) Among HF, HCl, HBr and HI, which is the strongest reducing agent? (2) b) Complete the following reactions: i) C2H4 + O2 --Δ-- ii) 4Al + 3O2 --Δ-- (1½ + 1½)

Question

a) Among HF, HCl, HBr and HI, which is the strongest reducing agent? (2) b) Complete the following reactions: i) C2H4 + O2 --Δ--> ii) 4Al + 3O2 --Δ--> (1½ + 1½)

Accepted Answer

> > [!TLDR] > (a) Reducing power increases down the group as the H-X bond weakens: HF < HCl < HBr < HI, so HI is strongest. (b) Balanced combustion/oxidation equations. > > (a) Strongest reducing agent among HF, HCl, HBr, HI: > A reducing agent works by giving away electrons / hydrogen easily. This depends on the strength of the H-X bond: the weaker the bond, the more easily the hydrogen halide is oxidised, so the better the reducing agent. > > Down the group F → I the size of the halogen increases and the H-X bond becomes longer and weaker: > Bond strength: H-F > H-Cl > H-Br > H-I. > Hence reducing power: HF < HCl < HBr < HI. > > Therefore HI, having the weakest H-I bond, is the strongest reducing agent. > > (b) Complete the reactions: > …

Q.a) Among HF, HCl, HBr and HI, which is the strongest reducing agent?

Concept understanding — Dioxygen and Simple Oxides

Q.a) Among HF, HCl, HBr and HI, which is the strongest reducing agent?

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