Which of the following compounds can act as both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent? — Redox Reactions and Volumetric Analysis Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

A species can act as both an oxidant and reductant if its central atom is in an intermediate oxidation state. In $H_2O_2$, O is -1 (can go to 0 or -2). In $SO_2$, S is +4 (can go to +6 or 0/-2). In $HNO_2$, N is +3 (can go to +5 or NO/N2). $HNO_3$ has N at +5 (maximum limit), so it only acts as an oxidant.