Which of these is a common reducing agent?
Question 4 options:
a) lithium aluminum hydride
b) acidified potassium permanganate
c) ozone
d) acidified potassium dichromate
e) all of the above
The correct answer is e) all of the above.
The common reducing agent among the options listed is a) lithium aluminum hydride.
To determine which of the options is a common reducing agent, we need to understand what a reducing agent is. A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons or causes another substance to gain electrons, resulting in the reduction (or decrease in oxidation state) of the other substance.
Now let's analyze each option:
a) Lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) - This compound is commonly used as a reducing agent in organic chemistry reactions. It donates hydride ions (H-) which can reduce other substances.
b) Acidified potassium permanganate (KMnO4) - Potassium permanganate can be used as an oxidizing agent but not as a reducing agent. It accepts electrons and undergoes reduction itself, causing other substances to be oxidized.
c) Ozone (O3) - Ozone is an oxidizing agent and not a reducing agent. It can accept electrons and oxidize other substances.
d) Acidified potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) - Similar to potassium permanganate, potassium dichromate is often used as an oxidizing agent rather than a reducing agent.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer is option a) lithium aluminum hydride, as it is a common reducing agent. Options b), c), and d) are oxidizing agents.
Therefore, the correct answer is a) lithium aluminum hydride.