How to determine whether a compound is an oxidising agent or reducing agent?
Determining whether a compound is an oxidising agent or reducing agent involves understanding its ability to either gain or lose electrons in a chemical reaction.

Oxidising Agent:
- An oxidising agent is a substance that causes another substance to lose electrons.
- It gets reduced itself while causing the other substance to get oxidised.
- It typically contains elements with high electronegativity and high oxidation states.
- Common oxidising agents include oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and potassium permanganate.

Reducing Agent:
- A reducing agent is a substance that causes another substance to gain electrons.
- It gets oxidised itself while causing the other substance to get reduced.
- It typically contains elements with low electronegativity and low oxidation states.
- Common reducing agents include metals like zinc, hydrogen gas, and carbon monoxide.

Determining Factors:
- Look at the oxidation states of the elements in the compound. If an element has a higher oxidation state in the compound, it is likely to be an oxidising agent.
- Consider the electronegativity of the elements. Elements with high electronegativity tend to be oxidising agents.
- Evaluate the reaction in which the compound participates. If it causes another substance to lose electrons, it is likely an oxidising agent. If it causes another substance to gain electrons, it is likely a reducing agent.
By analyzing these factors, one can determine whether a compound is an oxidising agent or reducing agent in a chemical reaction.