Consider the following reduction processes : Al3+ + 3e- Al(s), E0 = -1.66 V Fe3+ + e- Fe2+, E0 = +0.77 V Co3+ + e- Co2+, E0 = +1.81 V Cr3+ + 3e- Cr(s), E0 = -0.74 V The tendency to act as reducing agent decreases in the order :
- Al > Fe2+ > Cr > Co2+
- Al > Cr > Co2+ > Fe2+
- Cr > Fe2+ > Al > Co2+
- Al > Cr > Fe2+ > Co2+
Answer
(4) Al > Cr > Fe2+ > Co2+
Solution
The reducing agents are the species on the right-hand side: Al, Fe2+, Co2+ and Cr.
The lower (more negative) the standard reduction potential, the greater the tendency of the reduced form to lose electrons stronger reducing agent.
E0: Al (−1.66 V) < Cr (−0.74 V) < Fe2+ (+0.77 V) < Co2+ (+1.81 V)
Reducing tendency: Al > Cr > Fe2+ > Co2+
Answer: (4)