Question

Which of the following is the best reducing agent: F₂,H⁺, Na, Na⁺, or F^-? Explain. Order as many of thesespecies as possible from the best to the worst oxidizingagent. Why can't you order all of them? From Table 11.1choose the species that is the best oxidizing agent. Choose the best reducing agent. Explain.

Short answer

The best reducing agent is F^-. The best oxidizing & reducing agent and order of the species has been determined.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of reducing & oxidizing agent and redox reactions

The reactions where electron transfer happens between different chemical species are called redox reactions. There is an oxidation and reduction of one species in this type of reaction.

The substance which reduces other substances called reducing agent whereas the substancethatoxidizes the other substances is called an oxidizing agent

Best reducing agent

The best reducing agent is${\text{F}}^{-}.$ It’s mainly due to E^o values.

$\begin{array}{c}{F}_2+2e^{-}\to 2F^{-}{E}^o=2.87V\\ 2F^{-}\to F_2+2e^{-}{E}^o=-2.87V\\ H_2+2e^{-}\to 2H{E}^o=-2.23V\\ N{a}^{+}+e^{-}\to Na{E}^o=-2.17V\\ Na\to N{a}^{+}+e^{-}{E}^o=2.71V\end{array}$

Order of the species

The order of the species for oxidizing agents,

$F_2>Na>H_2>N{a}^{+}>F^{-}$

The best oxidizing and reducing agents are ${\text{F}}_2\&\text{Li}.$The species has highest and lowest E^oand is considered as the best oxidizing and reducing agent.