Question

Identify the reducing agent in following:

$Cl_2 + 2Br^- \rightarrow Br_2 + 2Cl^-$

• A. $Cl_2$
• B. $Br^-$
• C. $Cl^-$
• D. $Br_2$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$Br^-$

Answer 2

In the reaction

$Cl_2 + 2Br^- \rightarrow Br_2 + 2Cl^-$

the species that gets oxidized is the one that loses electrons. Here, $Br^-$ is oxidized to $Br_2$, meaning it donates electrons. Hence, $Br^-$ acts as the reducing agent.

$Br^-$ loses electrons (is oxidized) to form $Br_2$, so it serves as the reducing agent.