Question

Explain the reducing action of carbon monoxide.

Answer 1

Hint: In the given question firstly we have to define the reduction of the carbon monoxide and the reactions which are included in the given process of the reduction. Carbon monoxide is also a strong reducing agent. It is known for reduction of the oxides of the less active metals to their respective metals. The reaction which are involved are:
 \[CuO + CO \to Cu + C{O_2}\]
\[PbO + CO \to Pb + C{O_2}\] .


Complete solution:
The given question statement asks about the reduction of the carbon monoxide and the reactions which are included in the given process of the reduction. So we have to explain a bit about the reduction and then the process through which the reduction will take place along with the conclusive reactions.
The process of Reduction can be described as the gain of electrons or a decrease in the oxidation state of an atom, an ion, or of certain atoms in a molecule (a reduction in oxidation state).
Apart from that the carbon monoxide is also a strong reducing agent. It is known for reduction of the oxides of the less active metals to their respective metals. It also itself gets oxidised to carbon dioxide in the process.
Carbon monoxide has been widely used as the extraction of pure metals from their corresponding oxides.
The reactions which are included in the reaction are this :
\[CuO + CO \to Cu + C{O_2}\]
\[PbO + CO \to Pb + C{O_2}\]

So this concludes the entire reaction of the process.


Note:Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless flammable gas that is slightly less dense than air. It is toxic to animals that use hemoglobin as an oxygen carrier (both invertebrate and vertebrate) when encountered in concentrations above about 35 ppm, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal biological functions.