Using the data given below, the strongest reducing agent is: E^o_ Cr ₂ O ₇²⁻/ Cr ³⁺ = 1.33 V E^o_ MnO ₄^-/ Mn ²⁺ = 1.51 V E^o_ Cl ₂/ Cl ^- = 1.36 V E^o_ Cr ³⁺/ Cr = -0.74 V

Step-by-step solution

A reducing agent undergoes oxidation. The strength of a reducing agent is directly proportional to its standard oxidation potential, which is the negative of its standard reduction potential. The standard oxidation potentials for the given species are: E^o_ Cr / Cr ³⁺ = -(-0.74) = +0.74 V E^o_ Cl ^-/ Cl ₂ = -1.36 V E^o_ Mn ²⁺/ MnO ₄^- = -1.51 V E^o_ Cr ³⁺/ Cr ₂ O ₇²⁻ = -1.33 V Since Cr has the highest standard oxidation potential ( +0.74 V), it has the greatest tendency to get oxidized. Therefore, Cr is the stronge