A gas that can behave as a reducing agent towards chlorine and as an oxidizing...
A gas that can behave as a reducing agent towards chlorine and as an oxidizing agent toward hydrogen sulphide is
- A) O2
- B) NO
- C) SO2
- D) NH3
Correct Answer: C) SO2
Explanation
Answer: Option C - SO\(_2\)
Sulfur dioxide (SO\(_2\)) is a versatile gas that can act as both a reducing agent and an oxidizing agent, depending on the reaction conditions and the substances involved. In this case, SO\(_2\) can behave as a reducing agent towards chlorine (Cl\(_2\)) and as an oxidizing agent toward hydrogen sulfide (H\(_2\)S).
When SO\(_2\) reacts with chlorine, it reduces the chlorine by donating electrons, as shown in the equation:
\(SO_2 + Cl_2 \rightarrow SOCl_2\)In this reaction, SO\(_2\) donates two electrons to Cl\(_2\), converting it to SOCl\(_2\) (thionyl chloride).
On the other hand, when SO\(_2\) reacts with hydrogen sulfide, it acts as an oxidizing agent by accepting electrons from H\(_2\)S, as demonstrated in the following equation:
\(SO_2 + 2H_2S \rightarrow 3S + 2H_2O\)In this reaction, SO\(_2\) accepts two electrons from H\(_2\)S, leading to the formation of sulfur (S) and water (H\(_2\)O).
Therefore, SO\(_2\) can behave as both a reducing and oxidizing agent, depending on the reaction and the substances involved.