CHoose a better redox reaction and explain why?

Question

upon looking at the MO diagram for CO and MO which is a better redox reaction? Is it going to be a reducing or oxidizing agent? Please explain

I think it is CO but I read in an article that due to NO being paramagnetic it could be a redox reaction too? Please clarify

Answer 1

Redox reactions are dependent on the standard reduction potentials. The reduction potential for NO is -0.8V and the reduction potential for CO is 1.8V. The more negative the reduction potential, the better the molecule is at being a reducing agent it is.