How does Cu_2O act as both oxidant and redcutant ? Explain with proper reactions showing the change of oxidation number in each case.

How does Cu_2O act as both oxidant and redcutant ? Explain with proper

1.	How does Cu_2O act as both oxidant and redcutant ? Explain with proper reactions showing the change of oxidation number in each case.
Answer» Solution :In `Cu_2O` , COPPER is in +1 `(CU^(+))` oxidation state and it undergoes disproportionation to form `Cu and Cu^(2+)` as : `2Cu^(+)(aq)rarrCu(s)+Cu^(2+)(aq)` THUS, `Cu^(+) ` or `Cu_2O` acts both as an oxidant as WELL as a reluctant. For example, (i) When HEATED in air , `Cu_2O` is oxidised to CuO. `overset(+1"")(Cu_2O)+1/2O_2rarroverset(+2"")(2CuO)` Thus, `Cu_2O` acts as a reluctant and reduces `O_2` to `O^(2-)`. (ii) When heated with `Cu_2S` , it oxidises `S^(2-) " to " SO_2` and hence `Cu_2O` acts as an oxidant. `overset(+1"")(2Cu_2O)+overset(+1"")(Cu_2S)rarroverset(0"")(6Cu)+SO_2`