Which of the following species would NOT function as an oxidizing agent?
a. MnO4-
b. Mn+2
c. H+
d. S
e. Br-
2 answers
An oxidizing agent must be reduced and that means a gain of electrons. So it must go from whatever oxidation state is shown to a lower positive value; i.e., it must gain electrons. For example, MnO4^- is +7 for Mn and it goes to +2, a decrease in positive value (a gain of 5 electrons) and that makes it reduced. Do the others the same way.
Is the ans b?