Question

In the chemical reaction, $2 FeCl_3 + 2 H_2O + Y \rightarrow 2 FeCl_2 + H_2SO_4 + 2 HCl$, Y is:

• A. S.
• B. H$_2$S.
• C. SO$_2$.
• D. Cl$_2$.

Hint:

Sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) is commonly used as a reducing agent in inorganic chemistry, especially in the reduction of metal chlorides.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The given reaction represents the reduction of ferric chloride ($FeCl_3$) to ferrous chloride ($FeCl_2$) with sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) acting as the reducing agent. In this reaction, sulfur dioxide reduces ferric chloride ($FeCl_3$) to ferrous chloride ($FeCl_2$), and itself gets oxidized to sulfuric acid ($H_2SO_4$). The reaction proceeds as: \[ 2 FeCl_3 + SO_2 + 2 H_2O \rightarrow 2 FeCl_2 + H_2SO_4 + 2 HCl \] Thus, Y is \( \text{SO}_2 \).