Question

_______ is the most commonly used reducing agent in volumetric analysis.

• A. \( \text{Iodine} \)
• B. \( \text{Potassium iodate} \)
• C. \( \text{Potassium permanganate} \)
• D. \( \text{Oxalic acid} \)

Hint:

Think of oxalic acid reacting with strong oxidizers like permanganate – it loses electrons, hence it's a reducing agent in that context.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In volumetric analysis (titration), reducing agents are substances that lose electrons and get oxidized. Oxalic acid (\( \text{H}_2\text{C}_2\text{O}_4 \)) is a commonly used primary standard that can also act as a reducing agent, particularly in titrations involving oxidizing agents like potassium permanganate (\( \text{KMnO}_4 \)). Iodine (\( \text{I}_2 \)) typically acts as an oxidizing agent in iodimetric titrations, while potassium iodate (\( \text{KIO}_3 \)) is often used as a primary standard in iodometric titrations where it is reduced to iodine. Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent and is rarely used as a reducing agent in standard titrations.