Answer
The order of substances in increasing oxidizing power is as follows:
(e) Pyruvate
(a) Acetoacetate
(c) NAD+
, (d) SO2−
4 ,
(b) cytochrome b (Fe3+),
Work Step by Step
(e) Pyruvate - Due to its high energy content and propensity to be reduced during metabolic processes, pyruvate is a relatively weak oxidizing agent.
(a) Acetoacetate: Although slightly more oxidizing than pyruvate, acetoacetate nevertheless has a low oxidizing capacity.
(c) NAD+ - A potent oxidizing agent, NAD+ participates in a variety of metabolic processes that entail the transfer of electrons.
(d) SO2 4 - The sulfate ion is a potent oxidizing agent that is frequently employed in chemical reactions to oxidize other compounds.
The most potent oxidizing agent on the list is cytochrome b (Fe3+). It is crucial for the synthesis of ATP and is a part of the electron transport chain in mitochondria.