Question

Read the following chemical equation: Ti + 2Cl2 → TiCl4 Which statement best identifies and describes the reducing agent in the reaction?
Ti is the reducing agent because it changes from +4 to 0 oxidation state.
Ti is the reducing agent because it changes from 0 to +4 oxidation state.
Cl2 is the reducing agent because it changes from −4 to 0 oxidation state.
Cl2 is the reducing agent because it changes from 0 to −4 oxidation state.

Answer 1

Answer: Ti is the reducing agent because it changes from 0 to +4 oxidation state.

Explanation:

• Firstly, we need to identify the reducing agent and the oxidizing agent.

• The reducing agent: is the agent that has been oxidized via losing electrons.

• The oxidizing agent: is the agent that has been reduced via gaining electrons.

• Here, Ti losses 4 electrons and its oxidation state is changed from 0 to +4 and Cl₂  gains one electron  and its oxidation state is changed from 0 to -1.

• So, Ti is the reducing agent because its oxidation state changes from  0 to +4.

• Cl₂ is the oxidizing agent because its oxidation state changes from 0 to -1.

• Thus, The right answer is Ti is the reducing agent because it changes from 0 to +4 oxidation state.