What is the function of sulphur (IV) oxide in the reaction represented by the following equation? SO 2(aq) + 2H2S(g) → 3S (s) + 2H 2O (l)

What is the function of sulphur (IV) oxide in the reaction represented by the following equation? SO _2(aq) + 2H₂S_(g) → 3S _(s) + 2H ₂O _(l)

Answer Details

In the given reaction, sulphur (IV) oxide (SO₂) acts as an oxidizing agent. It oxidizes hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) gas to form solid sulfur (S) and water (H₂O). The oxidation state of sulphur in SO₂ is +4, while in H₂S, it is -2. During the reaction, sulphur (IV) oxide is reduced to sulphur (S) with a decrease in its oxidation state, while hydrogen sulphide is oxidized to sulphur (S) with an increase in its oxidation state. Therefore, sulphur (IV) oxide acts as an oxidizing agent in the given reaction.