Question

Which compound cannot reduce alkaline solution of iodine? (a) (b) (c) (d)

Short answer

After analyzing the properties and redox reactions of compounds (a), (b), (c), and (d), the compound that cannot reduce the alkaline solution of iodine is the one that gains electrons instead of donating them in a redox reaction.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze compound (a)

: Analyze the properties and characteristics of compound (a) in terms of its capacity to donate electrons and act as a reducing agent. Determine whether it is likely to gain or lose electrons in a redox reaction.

Analyze compound (b)

: Analyze the properties and characteristics of compound (b) in terms of its capacity to donate electrons and act as a reducing agent. Determine whether it is likely to gain or lose electrons in a redox reaction.

Analyze compound (c)

: Analyze the properties and characteristics of compound (c) in terms of its capacity to donate electrons and act as a reducing agent. Determine whether it is likely to gain or lose electrons in a redox reaction.

Analyze compound (d)

: Analyze the properties and characteristics of compound (d) in terms of its capacity to donate electrons and act as a reducing agent. Determine whether it is likely to gain or lose electrons in a redox reaction.

Compare the compounds

: Compare the characteristics of each compound analyzed in steps 1-4 to determine their ability to act as reducing agents. Find out the compound(s) that cannot reduce an alkaline solution of iodine by considering which one(s) will not donate electrons and instead gain electrons in a redox reaction. The compound which cannot reduce the alkaline solution of iodine is the one that does not donate electrons.

Key concepts

Reducing Agents

Reducing agents play a pivotal role in redox reactions. These are substances that donate electrons to another substance, thus reducing it. To put it simply, a reducing agent helps another molecule or atom to gain electrons. This act of electron donation results in the reduction of the acceptor molecule.
For instance, in redox reactions, reducing agents often become oxidized themselves. That means they lose electrons in the process. When assessing a compound's effectiveness as a reducing agent, look into its ability to easily donate electrons.
The strength of a reducing agent is determined by its tendency to lose electrons. More willing a compound is to shed electrons, the stronger a reducing agent it becomes. Being able to recognize which compounds act as strong or weak reducing agents is crucial in predicting the outcomes of redox reactions.

Electron Donation

The heart of redox reactions lies in electron donation, where electrons are transferred from one atom or molecule to another. This process triggers chemical changes within the substances involved. In redox reactions, one substance donates electrons, while the other gains them.
Electron donation is linked directly with the reduction process because as one compound donates electrons, another compound must accept them to complete the reaction. Keep in mind: If an atom or molecule loses electrons, it undergoes oxidation. Conversely, accepting electrons leads to reduction.
Identifying which compounds can readily donate electrons can simplify understanding redox reaction dynamics. Elements or compounds with a high tendency to give away their electrons act as reducing agents. These, in turn, facilitate reduction by electron donation.

Oxidation-Reduction

Oxidation-reduction reactions, commonly known as redox reactions, involve the transfer of electrons between two substances. One substance undergoes oxidation where it loses electrons, and the other experiences reduction by gaining those electrons.
During these reactions, the state of oxidation of atoms or ions changes, highlighting a chemical transformation. As a fundamental concept in chemistry, redox reactions are vital in numerous biological, chemical, and industrial processes. For example, cellular respiration and metal corrosion are both redox reactions.
When analyzing a compound's behavior in a redox reaction, recognizing whether it will gain or lose electrons is essential. Often, an insight into the oxidation states can guide predictions about the compound's role in a redox reaction.