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In the reaction MnO 2 + 4HCl тЖТ MnCl 2 + 2H 2 O + Cl 2 , what is being reduced?
Hydrogen (H)
Chlorine (Cl)
Oxygen (O)
Manganese (Mn)
Manganese (Mn)
In the chemical reaction MnO2 + 4HCl тЖТ MnCl2 + 2H2O + Cl2, manganese dioxide (MnO2) acts as the oxidizing agent and undergoes reduction by losing oxygen. The oxidation state of Manganese (Mn) decreases from +4 in MnO2 to +2 in MnCl2, confirming it is being reduced.
In the chemical reaction MnO2 + 4HCl тЖТ MnCl2 + 2H2O + Cl2, manganese dioxide (MnO2) acts as the oxidizing agent and undergoes reduction by losing oxygen. The oxidation state of Manganese (Mn) decreases from +4 in MnO2 to +2 in MnCl2, confirming it is being reduced.
This reaction is a classic example of a Redox (Reduction-Oxidation) reaction, fundamental to the study of Inorganic Chemistry and industrial extraction processes like the Deacon's process for chlorine manufacturing.
Reduction involves the loss of oxygen or the gain of electrons.
The oxidation number of Manganese decreases from +4 to +2, satisfying the definition of reduction.
Chlorine in HCl increases in oxidation state from -1 to 0, meaning HCl is oxidized.
Oxidizing Agent: The substance that gets reduced (MnO2 in this case).
Reducing Agent: The substance that gets oxidized (HCl in this case).
Option B (Chlorine) is the substance being oxidized, not reduced.
Option C (Oxygen) is lost during the reaction, but it is the Manganese atom that is chemically defined as 'reduced' due to the electron transfer.
D is correct тАФ Manganese (Mn) is being reduced because it loses oxygen and its oxidation state decreases.
In competitive exams, always check oxidation state changes: a decrease indicates reduction (GER: Gain Electrons Reduction) and an increase indicates oxidation (LEO: Loss Electrons Oxidation).