Question

Give an example of a compound which acts as both oxidising and reducing agent?

Answer 1

Hint: Oxidation is defined as the process in which there is gain in oxygen and loss of electrons. Reduction is defined as the process in which there is loss of oxygen and the gain in electrons.

Complete answer:
Oxidation is the process in which there is gain of oxygen by an element. It is when an element combines with oxygen. One example of such a reaction is that magnesium in its solid or reacts with oxygen in its gaseous form to form a solid magnesium oxide. Oxygen is also defined as the loss of electrons by the element. Oxidation state of the element increases and it loses electrons.
Reduction is the process in which there is loss of oxygen by an element. It is when an element loses oxygen. It can also be considered as the gain of electrons as not all the compounds that get reduced have an oxygen so there happens a gain in electrons. One example of one such reaction is when magnesium oxide in its solid form combines with carbon in its solid form or coke to form magnesium in its solid form and carbon monoxide
Oxidising agent is defined as the compound that itself goes under reduction and oxidises the other compound.
Reducing agent is defined as the compound that itself goes under oxidation and reduces the other compound.
One such which acts as both oxidising and reducing agent is ${H_2}{O_2}$, in this compound the oxygen is in $ - 1$ state and therefore it can increase and decrease its oxidation state accordingly.
${H_2}{O_2}$ is the agent that acts as both oxidising and reducing agent.

Note:
Hydrogen peroxide is a very pale blue liquid, slightly more vicious than water. It is used in chemical processes not only due to its dual nature but also for other purposes.