For the following reaction, identify the element that was oxidized, the element that was reduced, and the reducing agent. Give an explanation for each answer.

SnCl2 + PbCl4 SnCl4 + PbCl2

Question

For the following reaction, identify the element that was oxidized, the element that was reduced, and the reducing agent. Give an explanation for each answer. 

SnCl2 + PbCl4￼ SnCl4 + PbCl2

anonymous · Answer

$$Sn ^{+2} + Pb ^{+4} \rightarrow Sn ^{+4} + Pb ^{+2}$$
Oxidation number(ON) of Sn increases from +2 to +4, thus Sn is oxidized.
ON of Pb is decreases from +4 to +2, thus it is reduced.
The entity that is oxidised is also referred to as reducing agent which in this case is SnCl2.