Why is $HCl$ not used to make the medium

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Home Questions 378NS5B5NT

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Inorganic: D and F Block Elements

Question:

Why is $HCl$ not used to make the medium acidic in oxidation reactions of $KMnO_4$ in acidic medium?

Options:

$KMnO_4$ is weaker oxidizing agent than $HCl$

$KMnO_4$ oxidises $HCl$ into $Cl_2$ which is also an oxidizing agent

Both $HCl$ and $KMnO_4$ act as oxidizing agent

$KMnO_4$ act as a reducing agent in the presence of $HCl$

Correct Answer:

$KMnO_4$ oxidises $HCl$ into $Cl_2$ which is also an oxidizing agent

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → $KMnO_4$ oxidises $HCl$ into $Cl_2$ which is also an oxidizing agent

In acidic medium, KMnO₄ is a strong oxidizing agent.
If HCl is used as the acid, KMnO₄ oxidizes Cl⁻ from HCl to Cl₂ gas, which interferes with the intended reaction.
Therefore, H₂SO₄ is preferred to provide an acidic medium without introducing another oxidizable species.

Hence, the correct reason is: KMnO₄ oxidises HCl into Cl₂ which is also an oxidizing agent.