Question

The sulfite ion (SO3^2-) was involved in a chemical reaction in which it underwent oxidation. Based on the change in oxidation numbers, which of the species listed below is a possible oxidation product of the reaction? a) SO2 (g) b) S (s) c) SO4^2- (aq) d) S2O3^2- (aq) e) S^2- (aq)

Answer 1

`SO_4^(2-)(aq)\text{ --------- option C}`

Explanation:

Sulfite ion is readily oxidized to sulfate. This occurs because sulfite ion is exposed to air for a long period of time. Oxidation occurs with atmospheric oxygen.

Below is the oxidation reaction of sulfite ion

`2SO_3^(2-)(aq)\text{ + }O_{2(g)\text{ }}\rightarrow2SO_4^(2-)(aq)`

Hence, the possible oxidation product is option C