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Why would you use a reducing agent in order for ClO3- --> ClO2 to occur?


lolkeinthatsghey

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The answer is "reducing agent."

So here's what I have so far:

ClO3- --> ClO2

ClO3: Cl +5; O -2

ClO2: Cl +4; O -2

I understand Cl is being reduced and nothing is being oxidized. My teacher taught me that if something is being reduced than you need an oxidizing agent?

So my brain is telling me that since I have something being reduced, I would need an oxidizing agent. Why is it reducing agent?

(I really hate redox :)

Edited by lolkeinthatsghey
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An oxidizing agent is actually being reduced. It's called as such because it facilitates a specific oxidation that is of interest, while the reduction of the oxidizing agent is mostly trivial or unimportant. 
EDIT: I would like to add that if English is not your first language then you can bring a dictionary into the exams and so that might help with differentiating some of the terms. 

Edited by kw0573
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