Question
Can $PCl_5$ act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent? Justify.
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Answer
Oxidation state of $P$ in $PCl _5$ is +5 . Since $P$ has five valence electrons in its valence shell, therefore it cannot increase its oxidation state beyond +5 by donating its electrons, therefore $PCl _5$ cannot act as a reducing agent. However, it can decrease its oxidation number from +5 to +3 or some lower value, therefore $PCl _5$ acts as an oxidising agent. For example, it oxidises $Ag$ to $AgCl$.
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