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Which statement is true about the following reaction? S + Cl₂ → SCl₂ (Hint: Chlorine is the more electronegative element.)

a. S loses electrons
b. S gains electrons
c. SCl₂ is a reducing agent
d. SCl₂ is a product

User Bediver
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Sulfur in the reaction № + Cl₂ → SCl₂ loses electrons, being oxidized by the more electronegative chlorine, and the resulting compound, SCl₂, is a product of the reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the chemical reaction S + Cl₂ → SCl₂, sulfur (№) interacts with chlorine (Cl₂), a more electronegative element, to form sulfur dichloride (SCl₂). Given chlorine's higher electronegativity, it will attract electrons more strongly than sulfur. Thus, sulfur will lose electrons to chlorine during the reaction, which represents a redox process. The sulfur atom, starting with six valence electrons, needs to gain two electrons to achieve an octet configuration; however, in this reaction, it is actually losing electrons to chlorine, becoming oxidized in the process. Therefore, the correct statement about this reaction is that sulfur loses electrons. Additionally, SCl₂ formed through this reaction is a product, while Cl₂ is reduced to Cl atoms in SCl₂, making Cl₂ the oxidizing agent. Sulfur dichloride (SCl₂) itself can act as a reducing agent in further reactions.

User Alexey Mezenin
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