What is the oxidizing agent in the reaction 2MnO4-(aq) 10I-(aq) 16H (aq) ---> 2Mn2 (aq) 5I2(aq) 8H2O(l)

Correct Question: what is the oxidizing agent in the reaction.

2MnO4–(aq) +10Cl–(aq) + 16H+(aq) > 5Cl2(g) + 2Mn2+(aq) +8H2O(l)

MnO4-is the oxidizing agent

Explanation:

In the reaction 2MnO4–(aq) +10Cl–(aq) + 16H+(aq) > 5Cl2(g) + 2Mn2+(aq) +8H2O(l)

Oxidizing agent oxidizes other molecules while the themselves get reduced.

oxidizing agents give away Oxygen to other compounds.

MnO4-is the oxidizing agent because

On the reactants side

Oxidation number of Mn in 2MnO4- is +7

Oxidation number of Cl- is -1

On the products side

Oxidation number of Mn is +2

While oxidation number of Cl is zero

Therefore the oxidizing agent is 2MnO4 because is oxidizes Chlorine from -1 to 0 while itself got reduced from oxidation state of +7 to +2