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A good reducing agent is something that can easily lend a hydrogen atom.

Nitrogens Hydrogens are in a subshell that is much closer to the nucleus of the Nitrogen atom. This smaller radius results in a greater attraction between the electrons H+ and N share.

Bismuth (Bi) has a much larger radius, so the forces are more diluted, and the H+ is more easily removed from the Bi.

Because the Nitrogens H+ in NH3 is harder to remove it is a mild reducing agent. Bismuth has a H+ that can be removed easily so it is a stronger reducing agent.

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Q: Why NH3 is poor reducing agent while BiH3 is a strong redusing agent?
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Which alkali metals possesses highest reducing power?

The tendency of alkali metals to act as strong reducing agents is evident from the fact that these metals can liberate H2 from H2 O and acids. 2M+2H2O-----------------2MOH+H2 2M+2HCl------------------2MCl+H2We have already seen that Li atom loses its ns1 electron with great difficulty while Cs atom should have maximum reducing power among the alkali metals . In other words ,we can also say Li -atom ,because of its maximum ionisation energy, should have minimum reducing power and Cs atom ,because of its minimum ionisation energy ,should have maximum reducing power .The high valves of oxidation potential show that alkali metals can lose their ns1 electron quite readily and hence have a strong tendency to act as reducing agents.


Does starch contain reducing sugars?

The Fehling's and the Benedict's Test are the just two of the many tests conducted in identifying reducing and non-reducing sugars. Reducing sugars like the monosaccharides can reduce cupric hydroxide from the reagents used. This is because the reducing sugars have a free oH group at their anomeric carbon that can cause the reduction of mild oxidizing agents like fehling and Benedict solution.In non reducing sugars this oH is involved in glycosidic bond formation.


What is the difference between drying agent and dehydrating agent?

drying agent absorbs the water content while dehydrating agent lost the water content.


Can ozone machine while in use cause cracks to crown moulding?

Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent, but I wouldn't expect it to crack wood in any concentration that isn't actually toxic. If your crown molding is plastic, then maybe.


Is hydrogen sulphide an oxidizing agent?

Bases are solids/aqueous solutions that give a pH value of above 7.0. A solution with pH of below 7.0 is considered an acid. Sulfuric acid, as its name suggests, is not a base. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid as it dissociates readily to give H+ ions. The dissociation of sulfuric acid in water in complete and all H+ ions are dissociated when dissolved in water.

Related questions

Why Sn is a reducing agent while Pb is not?

Read NCERT


What is the Difference between an oxidizing agent and reducing agent?

An oxidizing agent oxidizes the reducing agent, while the reducing agent reduces the oxidizing agent. In simple terms, both processes occur simultaneously. Oxidizing is defined as: the gain of oxygen, loss of hydrogen or loss of electrons. E.g.: C + O2 -> CO2 In this case oxygen would be the oxidizing agent as it supplies oxygen to the carbon. Similarly carbon would be the reducing agent in this case.


What is the purpose of acetone in indigo synthesis?

the former answer is incorrect. While Acetone is clearly a reactant and it is used to dissolve the 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, it is NOT a reducing agent. To say it is a reducing agent is to say it OXIDIZES the compound. Only later when the leuco-indigo in the fabric does oxygen act as the reducing agent and oxidize the indigo, setting it in the fabric.


What is the difference between oxidizing agent and reducing agent?

The difference between the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent is that the oxidizing agent is the one that loses the electrons and the reducing agent gains the electrons.You can remember it easily because it's contradicting, and by the saying OIL RIG:Oxidized Is Lost Reduced Is Gained.


Are bases oxidizing agents?

Whether something is an oxidizing or reducing agent is not dependent on whether it is an acid or a base. Some bases can act as oxidizing agents while others are reducing agents. Some can act as either oxidizers or reducers depending on the reaction.


What is used to test for reducing and oxidising agents?

When some substances are oxidised or reduced, there is a colour change.Testing for a reducing agent:An oxidising agent is a substance that causes another substance to be oxidised & is itself reduced. Acidified potassium manganate (VII) is an example of one. While it oxidises other substances, the manganate ion is reduced (because the oxidation state decreases showing that reduction is occuring) :MnO4- --> Mn2+oxdations state:+VII+2colour:PinkColourlessSo, to see if an unknown substance is a reducing agent, add acidifies potassium manganate (VII) to see if the pink colour fades. If it does, you know the unknown substance was a reducing agent, because it caused reduction.Testing for an oxidising agent:A reducing agent is a substance which causes reduction, but is oxidised itself. Potassium iodide is a powerful reducing agent. While it reduces other substances, the iodide ion is oxidised (because the oxidising state increases) resulting in a colour change:2I- -->I2Oxidising state:-10 (the oxidising state of a diatomic molecule is 0)Colour:ColourlessRed-brownSo, to see if an unknown substance is an oxidising agent, add potassium iodide to see if a red-brown colour appears. If it does, you know your unknown substance is an oxidising agent because it caused a reduction


Which alkali metals possesses highest reducing power?

The tendency of alkali metals to act as strong reducing agents is evident from the fact that these metals can liberate H2 from H2 O and acids. 2M+2H2O-----------------2MOH+H2 2M+2HCl------------------2MCl+H2We have already seen that Li atom loses its ns1 electron with great difficulty while Cs atom should have maximum reducing power among the alkali metals . In other words ,we can also say Li -atom ,because of its maximum ionisation energy, should have minimum reducing power and Cs atom ,because of its minimum ionisation energy ,should have maximum reducing power .The high valves of oxidation potential show that alkali metals can lose their ns1 electron quite readily and hence have a strong tendency to act as reducing agents.


What are the strengths of an internal business environment?

The strengths of any internal business environment will vary. Some businesses are strong in reducing waste, while others have excellent quality standards.


What is the difference in a Lewis base and a reducing agent?

Lewis bases are those which may donate a pair of electrons to an acid and may form a coordinate covalent bond,while reducing agents may donate electrons to any other specie specially metals and they may completely transfer the electrons.


Where can I learn how to become an insurance agent?

While a degree in business or economics can definitely help land a job as an insurance agent, it's not a requirement. A strong-background in sales and a willingness to learn would be just fine. A good way to get a foot in the door would be an assistant job for an insurance agent.


Why hydrogen can burn while it's inorganic?

Whether or not a substance can burn does not depend on it being organic. So long as it is a sufficiently reactive reducing agent, it can burn. It just so happens that most such substances on Earth are organic.


Does starch contain reducing sugars?

The Fehling's and the Benedict's Test are the just two of the many tests conducted in identifying reducing and non-reducing sugars. Reducing sugars like the monosaccharides can reduce cupric hydroxide from the reagents used. This is because the reducing sugars have a free oH group at their anomeric carbon that can cause the reduction of mild oxidizing agents like fehling and Benedict solution.In non reducing sugars this oH is involved in glycosidic bond formation.