Get premium membership and access revision papers with marking schemes, video lessons and live classes.

Processing. Please wait.

Acidified potassiummanganite(VII)solution is decolourised when sulphur(VI) oxide is bubbled through it. The equation for the reaction is given below.
#2H_2O(l) + 5SO_2(g) +2KMnO_4(aq)rightarrow K_2SO_4(aq) +2MnSO_4(aq) +2H_2SO_4(aq)#
(a) Which reactant is oxidized? Explain.
(b) Other than the manufacture of sulphuric (IV) acid, state one other use of sulphur (IV) oxide.

Answer Text:
(a) Sulphur (IV) oxide is oxidized. This is because oxidation state of sulphur increases from +4 to +6.
(b) It is used as a food preservative.