ChemistryNEB 2076 (old course)

How is sulphurdioxide gas prepared in laboratory? Write reactions to show SO 2 acts as both an oxidising as well as a reducing agent. [3+2]

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Answer

Preparation of Sulphur Dioxide () in the Laboratory

Sulphur dioxide () is commonly prepared in the laboratory by heating sodium sulphite () or sulphuric acid () with copper (). The most common method involves the reaction of dilute sulphuric acid with sodium sulphite:

Na₂SO₃+H₂SO₄HeatSO₂+Na₂SO₄+2H₂O
Preparation of SO₂ by heating sodium sulphite with dilute sulphuric acid

Procedure:

  1. A small amount of sodium sulphite () is taken in a test tube.
  2. Dilute sulphuric acid () is carefully added to the test tube.
  3. The mixture is gently heated, producing colourless gas, which can be identified by its pungent smell and ability to turn acidified potassium dichromate () green.

as an Oxidising and Reducing Agent

SO₂+2H₂SRoom temperature3S+2H₂O
SO₂ as oxidising agent (reduction to S)
SO₂+Cl₂Dark, dry conditionsSO₂Cl₂
SO₂ as reducing agent (oxidation to SO₂Cl₂)

1. as a Reducing Agent

acts as a reducing agent by getting oxidised to or . For example:

  • Reaction with bromine water: Here, is oxidised to (sulphur’s oxidation state increases from +4 to +6), while bromine () is reduced to .

2. as an Oxidising Agent

acts as an oxidising agent by getting reduced to sulphur (). For example:

  • Reaction with hydrogen sulphide (): Here, is reduced to sulphur (sulphur’s oxidation state decreases from +4 to 0), while is oxidised to sulphur.

SO₂+2H₂SRoom temperature3S+2H₂O
SO₂ oxidises H₂S to sulphur (oxidation state of S in SO₂: +4 → 0 in S)

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