Question

In aqueous media, which is a stronger reducing agent — Cr³⁺ or Fe³⁺ and why?

Hint:

The strength of a reducing agent is determined by how easily it can lose electrons. Cr³⁺ is more readily reduced to Cr²⁺, making it a stronger reducing agent compared to Fe³⁺.

Answer 1

Cr³⁺ is a stronger reducing agent than Fe³⁺ because Cr³⁺ is more easily reduced to Cr²⁺, which is relatively stable. Fe³⁺, on the other hand, is more stable in its +3 oxidation state and is less readily reduced to Fe²⁺.