177

CHAPTER 11
SULPHUR AND ITS COMPOUNDS

11.1 Occurrence
Sulphur is found in the free state in deposits below the surface of the earth. Free sulphur
occurs in Sicily, Japan, USA and USSR. It is a yellow, strong smelling solid element.
Besides its occurrence in the free state, sulphur also occurs as natural compounds,
chiefly combined with metals in the earth's crust. These compounds are iron pyrites,
FeS2; gypsum, CaSO4. 2H2O; epsom salt, MgSO4.7H2O and others.
Sulphur is a very abundant element, constituting about one per cent of the earth's
crust by weight and is a very important raw material for industries.

11.2 Extraction of Sulphur from Underground Deposits

Different processes are used in mining sulphur according to the nature of the deposits.
Sulphur is found in shallow or deep deposits below the earth's surface. Sulphur, which is
deposited at about 700 feet below the earth's surface, is mined or extracted by the Frasch
Process.
The process description for extracting sulphur by the Frasch Process may be
summarized as follows :
Three concentric pipes as shown in Fig. 11.1 are driven down to the deposit of
sulphur.
Superheated steam at about 160°C is forced down under pressure through the
outermost pipe.
When superheated steam reaches the deposit, it melts the sulphur, forming a pool
of molten sulphur.
Hot air under high pressure is forced down through the innermost pipe.
The pressure of hot air forces up the molten sulphur through the central pipe, in
between the inner and outer pipes.
The molten sulphur is collected in wooden containers and allowed to solidify.
Sulphur obtained by this process is 99.5 per cent pure.
 178

Fig. 11.1 The Frasch Process of mining sulphur

11.3 Structure of Sulphur

Sulphur is a molecular element. A molecule of sulphur consists of eight atoms
joined together to form a ring as shown in Fig. 11.2. Therefore the formula S 8 should be
written to represent the sulphur molecule, when it takes part in chemical reactions as the
free element

But to simplify the balancing of equations

the empirical formula S is usually used
instead of S8 since the formula of most
sulphur compounds contain only an atom of
the element.

Fig. 11.2 A molecule of sulphur

 179

11.4 Forms of Sulphur

Sulphur can exist in different allotropie forms like carbon and oxygen.We shall discuss
three allotropes of sulphur, two of which are crystalline forms and me other, non-
crystalline.

Crystalline forms of sulphur

Solid sulphur can exist in two crystalline forms. They are, rhombic sulphur and
monoclinic sulphur.

Rhombic sulphur
When a solution of sulphur in carbon disulphide is allowed to evaporate slowly at room
temperature, the crystals of rhombic sulphur are deposited from the solution.

Fig. 11.3 A crystal of rhombic sulphur

Rhombic sulphur occurs as yellow, solid crystals. It has a specific gravity of 2.06. On
rapid heating it melts at 1I2.8°C. On gradual heating it undergoes slow transformation
into the monoclinic form of sulphur at 94.5 C.
Each crystal is composed of the S8 ring molecules in orderly arrangement to form
me characteristic shape of the crystals of rhombic sulphur. Rhombic sulphur is the most
stable form of sulphur.

Monoclinic sulphur
Molten sulphur is poured into a wet filter paper in a funnel. When the sulphur has nearly
set to solidify, the filter paper is carefully unfolded. Long, dark yellow, needle-like
crystals of monoclinic sulphur will be seen. Monoclinic (or prismatic) sulphur slowly
changes into the rhombic form at temperatures below 94.5°C which is the transition
temperature. It has a specific gravity of 1.96. The melting point is 119°C.
 180

Fig. 11.4 A crystal of monoclinic sulphur

Monoclinic sulphur is also composed of S8 ring molecules, but their arrangement is

different from that of rhombic crystals. If monoclinic sulphur is left at room temperature
for a sufficiently long time it changes into rhombic sulphur.

Plastic sulphur
When any form of sulphur is heated almost to its boiling point and them poured into cold
water, plastic sulphur is formed.
Plastic sulphur is a soft, sticky, rubber-like substance with a transparent, brown
colour.
In plastic sulphur the S8 ring molecules are ruptured and the sulphur atoms join
together to form long chains with a zig-zag arrangement as shown below. The elasticity
of plastic sulphur is due to the stretching and recoiling of these chains of atoms.

Fig. 11.5 Arrangement of sulphur atoms in plastic sulphur

 181

11.5 Structure and Properties

Some elements such as carbon, oxygen; sulphur, exhibit allotropy, i.e., the same element
may occur in different forms. The same element in different forms may have different
physical properties, because though they are made up of the same atoms in each form, the
arrangement of atoms is different in the different forms.
Therefore it is clear that the properties of the substances depend on
(1) the kind of atoms present in the substance,
(2) the arrangement of atoms in the substance.

Physical properties
The different allotropic forms of sulphur show different physical properties. You have
studied the physical properties of these forms under the general heading of each
allotropic form.

Chemical properties
We will discuss the chemical properties of sulphur with respect to its reactions with
metals, non-metals, water and acids.
1. Reaction with metals
Sulphur can react with almost metals except gold and platinum. Sulphur reacts with
metals forming sulphides. The oxidation number of sulphur in these compounds is -2.

calcium + sulphur calcium sulphide

Ca + S CaS

iron + sulphur iron (II) sulphide

Fe + S FeS

Silver + sulphur silver sulphide

2Ag + S Ag2S

2. Reaction with non-metals

Sulphur can react with some non-metals such as oxygen, hydrogen and others.
(a) When sulphur reacts with non-metallic elements which have negative oxidation
numbers, the oxidation number of sulphur in the compound is either +4 or +6.
action with oxygen burns sulphur
sulphur + oxygen
under ordinary dioxide
conditions S + O2 SO2

in the presence of catalyst sulphur

sulphur + oxygen
catalyst and excess trioxide
oxygen 2S + 3O2 2SO3
 182

(b) When sulphur combines with non-metallic elements which have positive oxidation
numbers, the oxidation number of sulphur in the compound is -2.
hydrogen + sulphur hydrogen sulphide
H2 + S H2S
3. Reaction with water
Sulphur in the solid state does not react with cold water. But when steam is passed
through the boiling sulphur, reaction occurs to form hydrogen sulphide and sulphur
dioxide.
hydrogen sulphur
sulphur + steam +
sulphide dioxide
3S + 2H2O 2H2S + SO2
4. Reaction with acids
Sulphur does not react with non-oxidizing acids such as dilute sulphuric acid and
hydrochloric acid. But it can react with oxidizing acids such as hot concentrated sulphuric
acid and nitric acid.
(a) With hot concentrated sulphuric acid
Hot concentrated sulphuric acid oxidizes sulphur into sulphur dioxide, and is itself
reduced to sulphur dioxide.
sulphuric Sulphur
sulphur + water +
acid(conc) dioxide
S + 2H2SO4 2H2O + 3SO2

(b) With hot concentrated nitric acid

Hot concentrated nitric acid oxidizes sulphur into sulphur trioxide. The sulphur trioxide
then dissolves in water to form sulphuric acid.
stages of S + 2HNO3 SO3 + H2O + 2NO
reaction SO3 + H2O H2SO4

S + 2HNO3 H2SO4 + 2NO

overall
nitric acid sulphuric nitrogen
reaction sulphur + +
(conc) acid oxide
 183

11.6 Hydrogen Sulphide H2S

Hydrogen sulphide is the hydride of sulphur.
Laboratory preparation
In the laboratory, hydrogen sulphide is prepared by the action of non-oxidizing acids
such as dilute sulphuric acid and dilute hydrochloric acid on metal sulphides. Iron(II)
sulphide is the metal sulphide usually used in the preparation of hydrogen sulphide.

Fig. 11.6 Laboratory preparation of hydrogen sulphide

iron (II) sulphuric iron (II) hydrogen

+ +
sulphide acid(dil) sulphate sulphide
FeS + H2SO4 FeSO4 + H2S
A few pieces of iron (II) sulphide are put into a flat-bottomed flask. The apparatus is set
up as shown in Fig. 11.6. Dilute sulphuric acid is poured into the flask through the
thistle funnel. Effervescence takes place and hydrogen sulphide gas is evolved.
The gas is soluble in cold water and heavier than air, so it is collected by upward
displacement of air.
A piece of blotting paper is soaked with lead (II) nitrate solution and placed in the
mouth of the gas jar.
The gas jar is full with hydrogen sulphide, if the lead (II) nitrate paper is turned
black.
If the gas is required dry, it may be passed over anhydrous calcium chloride and
collected by the upward displacement of air.

Why nitric acid cannot be used in the reaction

Nitric acid dilute or concentrated, is an oxidizing acid. If nitric acid is used in the reaction
the acid will oxidize hydrogen sulphide into water and sulphir or oxide of sulphur.
 184

Test for hydrogen sulphide

The gas turns lead(II) nitrate paper black. Lead (II) nitrate solution is turned black due to
precipitation of lead (II) sulphide.
hydrogen lead(II) lead(II)
+ + nitric acid
sulphide nitrate sulphide
H2S + Pb(NO3)2 PbS + 2HNO3

Physical properties
1. Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless gas.
2. It has the smell of rotten eggs. (The gas is very poisonous.)
3. It is an acidic gas, soluble in water. The solution is acidic.
4. It is heavier than air.
You can calculate the relative density from its formula and compare with that of
air which is 14.5.

Chemical properties
Test the gas with burning splint. Dry hydrogen sulphide burns in air.
Test the gas with blue litmus paper. The blue litmus turns pinks.
Now we have observed three chemical properties of hydrogen sulphide, they are :
Hydrogen sulphide bums in air.
Hydrogen sulphide turns blue litmus slightly pink.
Hydrogen sulphide turns lead (II) nitrate paper black.
These three very simple properties of hydrogen sulphide represent the three sets of
important properties of hydrogen sulphide. Let us study these properties in detail.
1. Burning of hydrogen sulphide in air
The burning of hydrogen sulphide in air gives the information that the gas can combine
with oxygen from air and therefore pure oxygen as well.
The reaction with oxygen forms different products in different conditions.

Reaction with oxygen under different conditions

(a) In a limited supply of oxygen, hydrogen sulphide burns producing water and sulphur.
hydrogen sulphide + oxygen water + sulphur
2H2S + O2 2H2O + 2S

(b) In excess of oxygen, hydrogen sulphide burns producing water and sulphur dioxide.
sulphur
hydrogen sulphide + oxygen water +
dioxide
2H2S + 3O2 2H2O + 2SO2
 185

(c) When a solution of hydrogen sulphide in water is exposed to air for some time,
sulphur precipitates out from the solution.
hydrogen sulphide + oxygen water + sulphur
2H2S + O2 2H2O + 2S
2. Reaction with litmus
The reaction with litmus gives the information that the gas has weak acidic properties.
But being a weak acid it does not show all the general properties of acid.

Reaction as a weak acid

As an acid, hydrogen sulphide reacts with metals and alkali solutions. It is a weaker acid
than carbonic and sulphurous acids. Hence it cannot react with solid salts of the stronger
acids such as carbonate and sulphite.

Reciclion wilh metals

Hydrogen sulphide reacts with all metals in the activity series except gold and platinum.
When the metals is heated in a stream of hydrogen sulphide reaction occurs as follows:
zinc + hydrogen sulphide zinc sulphide + hydrogen
Zn + H2S ZnS + H2

silver + hydrogen sulphide silver sulphide + hydrogen

2Ag + H2S Ag2S + H2

Reaction with alkali

Since the molecule of hydrogen sulphide consists of two replaceable hydrogen atoms, it
can produce two acid radicals, the hydrogen sulphide radical, HS and the sulphide
radical, S .Therefore, when it reacts with alkalis such as potassium hydroxide, sodium
hydroxide and calcium hydroxide, it can produce sulphide salts and hydrogensulphide
salts according to the condition of the reaction. If hydrogen sulphide is in limited amount
metallic sulphides are produced and if hydrogen sulphide is in excess, metallic
hydrogensulphides are produced. These hydrogensulphides exist only in solution.
limited amount of hydrogen sodium sodium
+ + water
hydrogen sulphide sulphide hydroxide sulphide
H2S + 2NaOH Na2S + 2H2O
hydrogen sodium sodium hydro-
in excess of + + water
sulphide hydroxide gensulphide
hydrogen sulphide
H2S + NaOH NaHS + H2O
3. Precipitation of metallic sulphides from suitable salt solutions. Metallic salts may be
classified into soluble and insoluble salts. Soluble salts generally include:
(a) all nitrates.
(b) all ethanoates except calcium ethanoate,
(c) all chlorides except lead, mercury, silver and gold chlorides,
(d) all sulphates except lead, barium, calcium and silver sulphates.
 186

When hydrogen sulphide is passed into the solution of one of these salts, die
metallic sulphides are formed according to the general reaction given below.
solution of hydrogen metallic
+ + acid of salt
metal salt sulphide sulphide
The solubility of metallic sulphides may be summarized as shown below.

K+
Na+
sulphides are soluble in water,
Ca2+
acid and alkali
Ba2+
Mg2+
sulphide is hydrolysed in
Al3+ aqueous solution. Precipitate
colour of precipitate of A1(OH)3 results
ZnS white Zn2+
sulphides are soluble in acid;
FeS black Fe2+
insoluble in alkali
SnS brown Sn2+
PbS black Pb2+
CuS black Cu2+
insoluble in acid and alkali
HgS black Hg2+
Ag2S dark brown Ag+
When hydrogen sulphide is passed into solutions of soluble salts of Sn2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Hg2+
and Ag+ the sulphides formed, being insoluble, are precipitated out.
copper(II) hydrogen copper(II) sulphuric
+ +
sulphat sulphide sulphide acid
CuSO4 + H2S CuS + H2SO4
silver hydrogen
+ silver sulphide + nitric acid
nitrate sulphide
2AgNO3 + H2S Ag2S + 2HNO3
When hydrogen sulphide is passed into the soluble salt solution of zinc and iron (II) salts
the sulphide formed does not precipitate out as it is soluble in the acid produced y the
reaction. When an alkali solution is added to neutralize the acid the sulphide is
precipitated out.
ZnS does not preci- ZnCl2 + H2S ZnS + 2HCl
pitate out acid is
2HCl + 2NH4OH 2NH4Cl + 2H2O
neutralized
ZnS is
ZnCl2 + H2S + 2NH4OH ZnS + 2NH4Cl + 2H2O
precipitate
zinc hydrogen ammonium zinc ammonium
+ + + + water
chloride sulphide hydroxide sulphide chloride
4. Reducing properties of hydrogen sulphide
(a) Reduction by addition of hydrogen
 187

Hydrogen sulphide reduces halogens.

hydrogen hydrochloric
+ chlorine + sulphur
sulphide acid
H2S + Cl2 2HCl + S

hydrogen hydrobromic
+ bromine + sulphur
sulphide acid
H2S + Br2 2HBr + S

hydrogen hydroiodic
+ iodine + sulphur
sulphide acid
H2S + I2 2HI + S
In these reactions sulphur is precipitated from the solution.

(b) Reduction by removal of oxygen

Hydrogen sulphide reduces concentrated nitric acid, concentrated sulphuric acid,
acidified potassium permanganate and potassium dichromate in solution by removing
oxygen from these compounds.

hydrogen nitric acid nitrogen

with concentrated + water +
sulphide (conc) dioxide
nitric acid
H2S + 2HNO3 2H2O + 2NO2
+ sulphur
+ S
Because of the reaction nitric acid cannot be used in the preparation of hydrogen sulphide
from metal sulphides.
sulphuric
hydrogen sulphur
with concentrated + acid water +
sulphide dioxide
sulpuric acid (conc)
H2S + H2SO4 2H2O + SO2
+ sulphur
+ S
Because of this reaction concentrated sulphuric acid cannot be used in the preparation of
hydrogen sulphide from metallic sulphide and a drying agent for hydrogen
sulphide.Hydrogen sulphide reduces violet coloured acidified potassium permanganate
solution to a colourless solution.
hydrogen + potassium + sulphuric manganese + potassium
sulphide permanganate acid (II) sulphate sulphate
5H2S + 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 2MnSO4 + K2SO4
+ water + sulphur
+ 8H2O + 5S
Hydrogen sulphide reduces orange coloured acidified potassium dichromate solution to a
green solution.
 188

chromium
hydrogen potassium sulphuric potassium
+ + (III) +
sulphide dichromate acid sulphate
sulphate
3H2S + K2Cr2O4 + 4H2SO4 Cr2(SO4)3 + K2SO4
+ water + sulphur
+ 7 H2O + 3S

Salts of hydrogen sulphide

As mentioned above, hydrogen sulphide reacts with alkalis and metallic salts to form the
normal sulphide and the hydrogensulphide.

Sulphides
All metals in the activity series and ammonium form sulphides.

Properties of sulphides
1. Solubility of sulphides
Sulphides of sodium, potassium, calcium, barium and ammonium are soluble in water.
Sulphides of other metals in the activity series are either insoluble or hydrolysed very
readily in aqueous solution.
2. Reactions with acids
Sulphides can react with dilute acids forming hydrogen sulphide. Nitric acid oxidizes the
hydrogen sulphide initially liberated in the reaction.
with hydrochloric zinc hydrochloric zinc hydrogen
+ +
acid sulphide acid chloride sulphide
ZnS + 2HCl ZnCl2 + H2S

with sulphuric lead(II) sulphuric lead (II) hydrogen

+ +
acid sulphide acid sulphate sulphide
PbS + H2SO4 PbSO4 + H2S

3. Reducing properties of soluble sulphides

Like hydrogen sulphide, soluble sulphides may act as reducing agents. Water soluble
sulphides can decolourize bromine, iodine, acidified potassium permanganate and
potassium dichromate in solution.
potassium potassium
+ bromine + sulphur
sulphide bromide
K2S + Br2 2KBr + S
(yellowish brown) (colourless)

sodium sodium
+ iodine + sulphur
sulphide iodide
 189

Na2S + I2 2NaI + S
(brown) (colourless)

4. Precipitation of heavy metallic sulphides

Soluble sulphides can precipitate the insoluble sulphides from the solution of the soluble
salts of lead, tin, copper, mercury and silver.
potassium lead (II) lead (II) potassium
+ +
sulphide nitrate sulphide nitrate
K2S + Pb(NO3)2 PbS + 2KNO3

Test for sulphides

All sulphides react with dilute sulphuric acid to give hydrogen sulphide.
magnesium sulphuric magnesium hydrogen
+ +
sulphide acid sulphate sulphide
MgS + H2SO4 MgSO4 + H2S
The hydrogen sulphide produced in the reaction turns lead (II) nitrate paper black.
hydrogen lead (II) lead(II)
+ + nitric acid
sulphide nitrate sulphide
H2S + Pb(NO3)2 PbS + 2HNO3

11.7 Oxides of Sulphur

Sulphur in combination with oxygen has oxidation numbers of+4,+6 and oxygen has an
oxidation number of - 2. The oxygen compounds of sulphur with oxidation number of + 4
is SO2 and with sulphur of oxidation number + 6 is SO3.

Oxides and acids of sulphur

Element Oxide Acid Acid radicals in

(acid anhydride) salts

S SO2 H2SO3(weak) HSO and SO

S SO3 H2SO4 (strong) HSO and SO
 190

Laboratory preparations of sulphur dioxide, SO2

1. By the action of dilute sulphuric acid on sodium sulphite

Fig 11.7 Preparation of sulphur dioxide

sodium sulphuric sodium sulphur
+ + water +
sulphite acid(dil) sulphate dioxide
Na2SO3 + H2SO4 Na2SO4 H2O SO2

Some sodium sulphite is put in a flask.The apparatus is set up as shown in Fig.

11.7.Dilute sulphuric acid is added to the sodium sulphite in the flask.The flask is gently
heated.Since sulphur dioxide gas is very soluble in water and is denser than air, it is
collected by upward displacement of air.
To test whether the gas jar is full with sulphur dioxide, a piece of blotting paper
soaked in potassium dichromate solution is placed in the opening of the gas jar. When
potassium dichromate paper is turned green the gas jar is full with sulphur dioxide.
2. By the action of concentrated sulphuric acid on copper (The same apparatus as in the
above experiment may be used.)
sulphuric copper
sulphur
copper + acid (II) + water +
dioxide
(conc) sulphate
Cu + 2H2SO4 CuSO4 2H2O SO2
A few pieces of copper foil are put in a flask. The apparatus is set up as shown in Fig.
11.7. Concentrated sulphuric acid is added to the copper foil. The flask is gently
heated.Since sulphur dioxide gas is very soluble in water and is denser than air, it is
collected by upward displacement of air.
 191

To test whether the gas jar is full with sulphur dioxide a piece of blotting paper
soaked in potassium dichromate solution is placed in the opening of the gas jar.When
potassium dichromate paper is turned green the gas jar is fall with sulphur dioxide.

Physical properties
1. Sulphur dioxide is a colourless gas.
2. It has a pungent smell of burning sulphur.
3. It is denser than air.
4. It is very soluble in water.

Chemical properties
1. It turns blue litmus red.
This shows that sulphur dioxide is an acidic oxide.
2. It does not burn in air.
This shows that sulphur dioxide does not react with oxygen of the air under ordinary
conditions.
3. Addition reactions of sulphur dioxide.
Sulphur dioxide does not react with oxygen under ordinary conditions. However, it
combines with oxygen in the presence of catalyst at the appropriate temperature.
Pt catalyst
sulphur dioxide + oxygen sulphur trioxide
450-500 C
2SO2 + O2 2SO3
It also directly combines with chlorine and lead (IV) oxide.
sunlight
sulphur sulphuryl
+ chlorine
with chloride dioxide chloride
SO2 + Cl2 SO2Cl2
The reactions is also catalysed by camphor.
sulphur dioxide + lead (IV) oxide lead(II) sulphate
SO2 + PbO2 PbSO4
4. It is an acidic oxide.
Sulphur dioxide dissolves in water to form sulphurous acid.
sulphur dioxide + water sulphurous acid
SO2 + H2O H2SO3
It reacts with basic oxides such as potassium oxide, sodium oxide and calcium oxide to
form sulphites.
sulphur dioxide + potassium oxide potassium sulphite
SO2 + K2O K2SO3

sulphur dioxide + sodium oxide sodium sulphite

SO2 + Na2O Na2SO3
 192

sulphur dioxide + calcium oxide calcium sulphite

SO2 + CaO CaSO3
It also reacts with alkali solution forming sulphite or hydrogensulphite according to the
amount of the reacting gas.
With potassium hydroxide
sulphur potassium potassium
in limited amount of + + water
dioxide hydroxide sulphite
sulphur dioxide
SO2 + 2KOH K2SO3 + H2O

in excess amount of sulphur potassium potassium hydro-

+
sulphur dioxide dioxide hydroxide gensulphite
SO2 + KOH KHSO3
When limited amount of sulphur dioxide is passed through the lime water, it turns
milky.
sulphur calcium calcium
+ + water
dioxide hydroxide sulphite
SO2 + Ca(OH)2 CaSO3 + H2O
In excess amount of sulphur dioxide, milky lime water is cleared up again.

sulphur calcium
+ + water calcium hydrogen sulphite
dioxide sulphite
SO2 + CaSO3 + H2O Ca(HSO3)2

5. Reducing properties of sulphur dioxide

(a) Sulphur dioxide reduces halogens to hydrogen halides.
with sulphur sulphuric hydrochloric
+ water + chlorine +
chlorine dioxide acid acid
solution SO2 + 2H2O + Cl2 H2SO4 + 2HCl
with sulphur sulphuric hydrobromic
+ water + bromine +
bromine dioxide acid acid
solution SO2 + 2H2O + Br2 H2SO4 + 2HBr
(yellowish brown) (colourless)

with sulphur sulphuric hydroiodic

+ water + iodine +
iodine dioxide acid acid
solution SO2 + 2H2O + I2 H2SO4 + 2HI
(brown) (colourless)
Interdependence of oxidation and reduction reactions
 193

In the above reacti6ns the halogens add on hydrogen to become hydrogen halides, e.g.,
chlorine is converted to hydrogen chloride. In other words chlorine is reduced to
hydrogen chloride.
Note that sulphur dioxide is simultaneously converted to sulphuric acid. In
aqueous solution the sulphur dioxide which is present as H 2SO4 takes up oxygen to
become H2SO4. This is an oxidation reaction. The oxidation number of sulphur is
increased from + 4 to + 6.
If we consider the overall reaction, we may say that the sulphur dioxide reduces
chlorine to hydrogen chloride while at the same time chlorine oxidizes sulphur dioxide or
sulphurous acid to sulphur trioxide or sulphuric acid. Therefore oxidation and reduction
have occurred simultaneously.
Note also that in SO2 or H2SO4, the oxidation number of sulphur is + 4 and in SO 3
or H2SO4, the oxidation number of sulphur is +6. Oxidation always results in an increase
in oxidation number.
(b) Sulphur dioxide reacts with nitric acid to produce nitrogen dioxide.
sulphur nitrogen
+ nitric acid sulphuric acid +
dioxide dioxide
SO2 + 2HNO3 H2SO4 + 2NO2
In this reaction sulphur dioxide reduces nitric acid to nitrogen dioxide.
(c) Sulphur dioxide can also reduce violet coloured acidified potassium
permanganate solution to a colourless solution.
sulphur potassium potassium manganese (II)
+ water + +
dioxide permanganate sulphate sulphate
5SO2 + 2H2O + 2KMnO4 K2SO4 + 2MnSO4
(violet) (colourless) (colourless)
+ sulphuric acid
+ 2H2SO4
(colourless)
Sulphur dioxide can also reduce orange coloured acidified potassium dichromate
solution to a green solution.
sulphur sulphuric potassium potassium chromium (III)
+ + +
dioxide acid dichromate sulphate sulphate
3SO2 + H2SO4 + K2Cr2O7 K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3
(orange) (green)
+ water
+ H2O
(d) Sulphur dioxide bleaches colouring matter by reduction.
Sulphur dioxide gas does not contain hydrogen atoms, the gas alone cannot reduce other
substances. But when water is present in the reaction, SO 2 reacts with water molecule to
produce 2H as shown in the equation below.
 194

sulphur sulphuric nascent

+ water + to the other substance
dioxide acid hydrogen
in the reaction
SO2 + 2H2O H2SO4 +
2(H
)
Therefore, the bleaching action of sulphur dioxide is due to the reducing property
of the nascent hydrogen, which may
add H to the molecule of the colouring substance, or
remove O from the molecule of the colouring substance.
In this way sulphur dioxide decolourizes the colouring substances sush as wet flowers,
wet litmus papers.
6. Oxidizing properties of sulphur dioxide
Sulphur dioxide can oxidize magnesium, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide.
magnesium + sulphur dioxide magnesium oxide + sulphur
2Mg + SO2 2MgO + S
carbon
+ sulphur dioxide carbon dioxide + sulphur
monoxide
2CO + SO2 2CO2 + S

hydrogen sulphur
+ water + sulphur
sulphide dioxide
2H2S + SO2 2H2O + 3S

Sulphurous acid H2SO3

When sulphur dioxide gas dissolves in water the weak sulphurous acid is formed.
sulphur
+ water sulphurous acid
dioxide
SO2 + H2O H2SO3
General properties of the acid
It turns blue litmus red.
It reacts with magnesium to produce hydrogen. But it does not produce hydrogen with
other metals below Mg in the activity series.
sulphurous magnesium
magnesium + + hydrogen
acid sulphite
Mg + H2SO3 MgSO3 + H2
It reacts with basic oxides producing salt and water.
potassium sulphurous potassium
with potassium + + water
oxide acid sulphite
oxide
K2O + H2SO3 K2SO3 + H2O

with sodium oxide sodium + sulphurous sodium + water

oxide acid sulphite
 195

Na2O + H2SO3 Na2SO3 + H2O

It reacts with alkali solution producing neutral and acid salts.

sodium sulphurous sodium
in limited amount of + + water
hydroxide acid sulphite
H2SO3
2NaOH + H2SO3 Na2SO3 + 2H2O

sodium
sodium sulphurous
+ hydrogen- + water
in excess of H2SO3 hydroxide acid
sulphite
NaOH + H2SO3 NaHSO3 + H2O

As it is a weak acid, it cannot react with salts of the strong acids. But as it is stronger than
carbonic acid, it can react with carbonates producing carbon dioxide.
with calcium sulphurous calcium carbon
+ + + water
calcium carbonate acid sulphite dioxide
carbonate CaCO3 + H2SO3 CaSO3 + CO2 + H2O

Reducing properties
Since sulphurous acid is the solution of sulphur dioxide in water, its reducing action will
be the same as that of sulphur dioxide.
Cl2 + H2 O + H2SO3 H2SO4 + 2HCl
It decolourizes Br2 and I2 solutions.
sulphuric
sulphurous hydrobromic
+ water + bromine acid +
acid acid
H2SO3 + H2O + Br2 H2SO4 + 2HBr

sulphurous sulphuric Hydroiodic

+ water + iodine +
acid acid acid
H2SO3 + H2O + I2 H2SO4 + 2HI
It decolourizes dilute potassium permanganate solution.
sulphurous potassium manganese (II)
+ sulphuric acid +
acid permanganate sulphate
5H2SO3 + 2KMnO4 2H2SO4 + 2MnSO4
potassium
+ + water
sulphate
+ K2SO4 + 3H2O
It also turns yellow potassium dichromate solution (or paper) green
sulphurous potassium sulphuric chromium(III)
+ +
acid dichromate acid sulphate
 196

3H2SO3 + K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 Cr2(SO4)3

+ potassiun + water
sulphate
+ K2SO4 + 4H2O

Bleaching properties
Bleaching action of sulphurous acid is due to its reducing property. The reaction is very
similar to the reactions of sulphur dioxide.

Sulphites
Sulphites are normal salts of sulphurous acid.

Physical properties
Sulphites of potassium and sodium are soluble in water. Other sulphites are insoluble in
water.

Chemical properties
All sulphites can react with dilute acids producing the salt of reacting acid and sulphur
dioxide.
calcium hydrochloric calcium sulphur
+ + water +
sulphite acid chloride dioxide
CaSO3 + 2HCl CaCl2 + H2O + SO2

Decolourizing properties
Soluble sulphites, potassium sulphite and sodium sulphite, in solution can decolourize or
change the colour of some substances by reduction.
bromine sodium sodium hydrobro-
+ water + bromine +
water sulphite sulphate mic acid
Na2SO3 + H2O + Br2 Na2SO4 + 2HBr
(yellowish
(colourless)
brown)

iodine potassium potassium hydroiodic

+ water + iodine +
solution sulphite sulphate acid
K2SO3 + H2O + I2 K2SO4 + 2HI
(brown) (colourless)

acidified potassium + sulphuric + sodium potassium

potassium permanganate acid sulphite sulphate
 197

permanga-
nate solution 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5Na2SO3 K2SO4
manganese
sodium
+ (II) sulphate + water +
sulphate
+ 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5Na2SO4

Precipitation reactions
Soluble sulphites, potassium sulphite and sodium sulphite, in solution can precipitate the
insoluble sulphites from the soluble salts of barium, calcium etc.
sodium barium sodium barium
+ +
sulphite chloride chloride sulphite
Na2SO3 + BaCl2 2NaCl + BaSO3
potassium calcium potassium calcium
+ +
sulphite chloride chloride sulphite
K2SO3 + CaCl2 2KCl + CaSO3

Tests for sulphites

1. (a) Test with dilute sulphuric acid. All sulphites react with dilute sulphuric acid
producing sulphur dioxide which can be recognized by its characteristic pungent smell of
burning sulphur.
sodium sulphuric sodium sulphur
+ + water +
sulphite acid (dil) sulphate dioxide
Na2SO3 + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + H2O + SO2
(b) Sulphur dioxide produced in reaction (a) can be identified by smell or by
testing with acidified potassium dichromate paper or solution, which turns green.
2. Soluble sulphites, potassium sulphite and sodium sulphite decolourize bromine solution, iodine solution, iodine suspension and acidified potassium permanganate solution.

sodium sodium hydrobromic

+ water + bromine +
sulphite sulphate acid
Na2SO4 + H2O + Br2 Na2SO4 + 2HBr
sodium sodium
+ water + iodine + hydroiodic acid
sulphite sulphate
Na2SO4 + H2O + I2 Na2SO4 + 2HI

potassium sulphuric sodium potassium managanese

+ + +
permanganate acid sulphate sulphate (II) sulphate
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5Na2SO3 K2SO4 + 2MnSO4
+ water + sodium
 198

sulphate
+ 3H2O + 5Na2SO4

Laboratory preparation of sulphur trioxide SO3

Fig. 11.8 Laboratoly preparation of sulphur trioxide

platinized asbestos
or V2O5
sulphur dioxide + oxygen sulphur trioxide
2SO2 + O2 2SO3
The apparatus is set up as shown in Fig. 11.8. Sulphur dioxide gas and oxygen gas
are dried by passing through concentrated sulphuric acid, before introducing into the
catalyst chamber.
The mixture of dried gases is passed over heated platinized asbestos or vanadium
(V) oxide, V2O5 in a combustion tube, which is known as the catalyst chamber.
White fumes of sulphur trioxide form and condense to a solid in a test tube cooled
in the crushed ice.
The anhydrous calcium chloride tube at the end of the apparatus prevent the entry
of moisture.

Physical properties
1. Sulphur trioxide is a white solid below 17°C.
2. Its melting points is 17°C and boiling point is 45°C.

Chemical properties
Sulphur trioxide is an acidic oxide. Therefore it has the general properties of acidic
oxides.
1. Action with water
Sulphur trioxide reacts violently with water to form sulphuric acid.
water + sulphur trioxide sulphuric acid
H2O + SO3 H2SO4
Sulphur trioxide is the anhydrous of sulphuric acid.
 199

2. Action with basic oxides

Sulphur trioxide reacts with basic oxides to form normal salt.
sodium oxide + sulphur trioxide sodium sulphate
Na2O + SO3 Na2SO4
You may try writing the equation for the reactions of sulphur trioxide with calcium oxide
and magnesium oxide.
3. Action with alkali
Since sulphur trioxide is an acid anhydride of H 2SO4 it can form hydrogensulphate or
sulphate according to the amount of sulphur trioxide in the reaction.
In limited amount of sulphur trioxide it forms me normal sulphate and water.
sodium sulphur sodium
+ + water
hydroxide trioxide sulphate
2NaOH + SO3 Na2SO4 + H2O
In excess of sulphur trioxide it forms hydrogensulphate only.
sodium sulphur
+ sodium hydrogensulphate
hydroxide trioxide
NaOH + SO3 NaHSO4
Similar reactions will occur with potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide
solutions.

Laboratory preparation of sulphuric acid, H2SO4

The laboratory preparation of sulphur trioxide have already been described.
sulphur platinum or V2O5
+ oxygen sulphur trioxide
dioxide
2SO2 + O2 2SO3
The sulphur trioxide may be dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid to form a
fuming liquid called oleum. The oleum may be carefully diluted with the correct amount
of water to give ordinary concentrated sulphuric acid.
sulphuric sulphur
+ oleum
acid trioxide
H2SO4 + SO3 H2S2O7
oleum + water sulphuric acid
H2S2O7 + H2O 2H2SO4

Manufacture of sulphuric acid

 200

Fig, 11.9 Flow sheet of the Contact Process

Manufacture of sulphuric acid by the Contact Process consists of the following

main steps.
1. Preparation of sulphur dioxide.
2. Removing inpurities.
3. Drying the gas.
4. Catalytic oxidation of sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide at the appropriate
temperature.
5. Dissolution of sulphur trioxide.

1. Preparation of sulphur dioxide

Sulphur or iron pyrites is burnt in excess of air in the burner to produce sulphur
dioxide.
sulphur + oxygen sulphur dioxide
birning sulphur
S + O2 SO2
iron
sulphur
iron pyrites + oxygen (III) +
burning iron pyrites dioxide
oxide
4FeS2 + 11O2 2Fe2O3 + 8SO2

2. Removing impurities
The gas mixture contains impurities (especially arsenious oxide) which might
poison the catalyst. To remove these impurities the gas mixture is passed into a wash
tower.
3. Drying the gas
 201

The mixture of sulphur dioxide and excess air, free from impurities, is passed into
the drying tower and dried by spraying with concentrated sulphuric acid.

4. Oxidation of sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide

The sulphur dioxide mixed with excess air is passed into the catalyst chamber
where it is brought into contact with platinized asbestos or vanadium (V) oxide, V 2O5 at
the temperature of 450°C - 500°C. In the presence of catalyst at 450°C -500°C the
sulphur dioxide reacts with oxygen producing sulphur trioxide.
catalyst
sulphur dioxide + oxygen sulphur trioxide
450-500 C
2SO2 + O2 2SO3

5. Dissolution of sulphur trioxide

Sulphur trioxide is easily dissolved in 98% concentrated sulphuric acid. Therefore,
sulphur trioxide produced in the catalyst chamber is absorbed in 98% sulphuric acid to
form oleum.
sulphur trioxide + sulphuric acid oleum
SO3 + H2SO4 H2SO4.SO3 or
H2S2O7
The oleum so formed is mixed with water to obtain the acid of any desired
concentration.
oleum + water sulphuric acid
H2SO4.SO3 + H2O 2H2SO4

Physical properties
1. Pure sulphuric acid is a colourless, oily, heavy liquid
2. Its density is 1.84 g cm 3.
3. It boils about 338°C.

Chemical properties
Sulphuric acid can act as an acid, an oxidizing agent and as a dehydrating agent. It can
displace more volatile acids from their salts.
1. Action as an acid
Dilute sulphuric acid has the general properties of an acid. It turns blue litmus to red.

Reaction with metals

Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with iron and the metals above it in the activity series
producing sulphates and hydrogen.
iron + sulphuric acid iron (II) sulphate + hydrogen
Fe + H2SO4 FeSO4 + H2
 202

Similar reactions occur with zinc and magnesium.

Reaction with metallic oxides

Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with metallic oxides to produce sulphates and water.
sodium oxide + sulphuric acid sodiuin sulphate + water
Na2O + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + H2O

copper (II) copper (II)

+ sulphuric acid + water
oxide sulphate
CuO + H2SO4 CuSO4 + H2O
Similar reactions occur with potassium oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide and iron (II)
oxide.

Neutralization with hydroxides

It reacts with hydroxides producing sulphate and water.
sodium hydroxide + sulphuric acid sodium sulphate + water
2NaOH + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + H2O

calcium hydroxide + sulphuric acid calcium sulphate + water

Ca(OH)2 + H2SO4 CaSO4 + 2H2O

aluminium aluminium
+ sulphuric acid + water
hydroxide sulphate
2A1(OH)3 + 3H2SO4 A12(SO4)3 + 6H2O
Similar reactions occur with potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, zinc
oxide and other metal hydroxides.

Reaction with salts of weak acids

It reacts with salts of weak acids displacing the weak acid and producing the gases
corresponding to the weak acids.
It reacts with carbonates producing sulphate, water and carbon dioxide.
sodium sulphuric sodium carbon
+ + water +
carbonate acid sulphate dioxide
Na2CO3 + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + H2O + CO2

It reacts with hydrogencarbonates producing sulphate, water and carbon dioxide.

sodium hydro- sulphuri sodium carbon
+ + water +
gencarbonate c acid sulphate dioxide
2NaHCO3 + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + 2H2O + 2CO2
 203

It reacts with sulphites producing sulphate, water and sulphur dioxide.

sodium sulphuric sodium sulphur
+ + water +
sulphite acid sulphate dioxide
Na2SO3 + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + H2O + SO2

It reacts with sulphites producing sulphate and hydrogen sulphide.

copper (II) sulphuric copper (II) hydrogen
+ +
sulphide acid sulphate sulphide
CuS + H2SO4 CuSO4 + H2S

2. Displacement of more volatile acid from its salt

Concentrated sulphuric acid is less volatile than nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. When
the salts of these acids react with hot concentrated sulphuric acid, the acid of these salts
are displaced.
potassium
with nitrate potassium sulphuric nitric
+ hydrogen +
at low nitrate acid acid
sulphate
temperature
KNO3 + H2SO4 KHSO4 + HNO3

Potassium
with nitrate potassium sulphuric nitric
+ hydrogen +
at high nitrate acid acid
nsulphate
temperature
2KNO3 + H2SO4 KHSO4 + HNO3

with Sodium
sodium sulphuric hydroga
chloride at + hydrogen +
chloride acid chloride
low tem- sulphate
perature NaCl + H2SO4 NaHSO4 + HCl

with sodium sulphuric Sodium hydrogen

+ +
chloride at chloride acid sulphate chloride
high
2NaCl + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + 2HCl
temperature

With bromides and iodides, sulphuric acid first displaces the acids from the salts
and then oxidizes the acids so formed to produce bromine and iodine.
(i) it displaces the Sodium
sodium sulphuric hydrogen
acid first + hydro- +
bromide acid bromide
gensulphate
NaBr + H2SO4 NaHSO4 + HBr
 204

(ii) Then it oxi- hydrogen sulphuric sulphur

+ water +
dizes the HBr bromide acid dioxide
formed in the
2HBr + H2SO4 2H2O + SO2
first reaction
+ bromine
Br2
Iodides react in the same manner with hot concentrated sulphuric acid.

3. Action as an oxidizing acid

Hot concentrated sulphuric acid can oxidize non-metals and metals.

Oxidation of non-metals
Hot concentrated sulphuric acid oxidizes carbon and sulphur to the corresponding oxides.
sulphuric sulphur carbon
carbon + water + +
acid dioxide dioxide
C + 2H2SO4 2H2O + 2SO2 + CO2

sulphuric sulphur
sulphur + water +
acid dioxide
S + 2H2SO4 2H2O + 3SO2
Hot concentrated sulphuric acid reacts with red phosphorus. At first phosphorus is
oxidized to phosphorus (V) oxide.
sulphuric sulphur phosphorus
phosphorus + water + +
acid dioxide (V) oxide
P4 + 10H2SO4 10H2O + 10SO2 + P4O10

Then phosphorus (V) oxide reacts with water to form phosphoric acid.
phosphorus (V) oxide + water phosphoric acid
P4O10 + 6H2O 4H2PO4

Oxidation of metals
The reaction of hot concentrated sulphuric acid with metals involves two success
processes, i.e., oxidation and salt formation. It oxidizes the metal to metallic oxide. The
metallic oxide so formed reacts with the excess sulphuric acid to form metal sulphate and
water.

(i) Cu + H2SO4 CuO + H2O + SO2

(ii) CuO + H2SO4 CuSO4 + H2O
overall Cu + 2H2SO4 CuSO4 + 2H2O + SO2
reaction
sulphuric copper (II) sulphur
copper + + water +
acid sulphate dioxide
 205

4. Action as a dehydrating agent

Concentrated sulphuric acid is a very powerful dehydrating agent. It can absorb not only
free water, such as moisture, but also the combined water or the elements water in some
compounds.
Blue copper (II) sulphate becomes white when it is mixed with concentrated sulphuric
acid.
H2SO4 (conc)
copper (II) sulphate crystal copper (II) sulphate
-5H2O
CuSO4.5H2O CuSO4
(blue) (white)
Methanoic (or formic) acid reacts with concentrated sulphuric acid decomposing it into
carbon monoxide due to the loss of the elements of water.
H2SO4 (conc)
methanoic acid water + carbon monoxide
HCOOH H2O + CO
Ethanedioic acid reacts with concentrated sulphuric acid and is decomposed .to
carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide due to the loss of me elements of water.
H2SO4 (conc)
ethanedioic acid water + carbon monoxide + carbon dioxide
COOH
H2O + CO + CO2
COOH
Sugar, starch and other carbohydrates are dehydrated by concentrated sulphuric acid.
Carbon is formed as the final product. Hence, when concentrated sulphuric acid is added
to these compounds, they turn black.
H2SO4 (conc)
sugar carbon + water
C12H22O11 12C + 11H2O
(black)
H2SO4 (conc)
starch carbon + water
(C6H10O5)n 6nC + 5nH2O
(black)
Salts of sulphuric acid
Sulphates
Sulphates which are normal salts of sulphuric acid are all solids.

Solubilities of sulphates
Barium, silver lead (II) sulphates are insoluble in water. Other sulphates are soluble or
slightly soluble in water.
 206

Test for sulphates

1. Sulphates do not react with' dilute and concentrated sulphuric acid.
2. (a) When barium chloride solution is added to a solution of sulphate, a white
precipitate of barium sulphate is formed.
iron (II) barium iron (II) barium
+ +
sulphate chloride chloride sulphate
FeSO4 + BaCl2 FeCl2 + BaSO4
(b) Carbonates and sulphites also form white precipitates of barium carbonate or
sulphite with barium chloride solution. To distinguish the barium sulphate
from the carbonate and sulphite, dilute hydrochloric acid must be added to
the precipitate. Barium sulphate does not dissolve in dilute hydrochloric acid
whereas carbonates and sulphites of barium are soluble in the acid.

SUMMARY
Sulphur is a molecular element containing eight atoms with the formula S 8.
Sulphur exists in different allotropic forms. Rhombic sulphur and monoclinic sulphur are
crystalline forms and plastic sulphur is a non-crystalline from. Sulphur can react with
metals, non-metals and oxidizing acids such as hot concentrated H2SO4 and HNO3.
HNO3 cannot be used in the preparation of H 2S as it can oxidize H2S(g) to sulphur
or oxide of sulphur. Manufacture of sulphuric acid by the Contact Process consists of five
main steps. Sulphides possess the reducing properties.
SO2 has both oxidizing and reducing properties. The bleaching action of
sulphurous acid is due to its reducing property. Concentrated H 2SO4 is a very powerful
dehydrating agent.

Questions and Problems

1. (a) Name two crystalline allotropic forms of solid sulphur.
(b) Briefly describe the preparation of each.
(c) How would you show that these two allotropoic forms represent the same
element sulphur?
2. (a) Starting from sulphur how would you obtained the following substance?
Mention the conditions required for the reactions to take place. Give equation for
each of the reaction.
(i) sulphur dioxide
(ii) sulphur trioxide
(iii) sulphuric acid
(iv) hydrogen sulphide
(b) What mass and volume at STP of sulphur dioxide could be obtained from 16 g
of sulphur?
 207

3. (a) You are provided with iron fillings, powdered sulphur, dilute sulphuric acid and
the required laboratory apparatus including a burner but no other chemicals.
With the aid of a .diagram show how you would prepare and collect hydrogen
sulphide.
(b) Explain why nitric acid cannot be used for the preparation of hydrogen sulphide
in the laboratory.
(c) Explain why concentrated sulphuric acid cannot be used as a drying agent for
hydrogen sulphide.
4. (a) What happens when dry hydrogen sulphide bums in air?
Give two equations for the reaction under different conditions of burning.
(b) What property of hydrogen sulphide is respresented by its action on litmus? Give
two different representative reactions to illustrate this property.
5. Write equations for the reduction of the following substances by sulphur dioxide and
sulphurous acid.
(a) chlorine (b) bromine
6. Write the equations for the reduction of the following substances by sulphur doxide.
(a) nitric acid (b) iodine
7. Write equations for the reduction of the following substances by hydrogen sulphide
and sulphur dioxide.
(a) KMnO4 (b) K2Cr2O7
Mention the conditions required for the reactions to take place.
8. If you are provided with a solution containing zinc and copper sulphates, how would
you separate copper and zinc as :
(a) copper (II) sulphide (b) zinc sulphide?
9. Sulphur dioxide has two reactions with the following substances. State the condition
for each reaction and give equations.
(a) chlorine (b) sodium hydroxide
10. Give respresentative reactions for each set of properties which show that sulphur
dioxide is an acidic oxide as well as a reducing agent.
11. Sulphur trioxide is an acidic oxide. Write equations for its reactions with
(a) water (b) metallic oxides (c) alkalis.
12. (a) With the aid of equations briefly describe the steps to prepare sulphuric acid from
sulphur.
(b) Write equations representative of the reaction of dilute sulphuric acid with
metals, metallic oxides and hydroxides.
13. Write equations for the oxidizing reactions of hot concentrated sulphuric acid with the
following substances :
 208

(a) carbon (b) sulphur (c) phosphorous (d) copper

14. (a) Give the reactions of hot concentrated sulphuric acid with two non metals and one
metal.
(b) What property does sulphuric acid show in the reaction with non metals?
(c) What properties does sulphuric acid show in the reaction with metals?
15. (a) What are the actions of concentrated sulphuric acid on
(i) methanoic acid (ii) ethanedioic acid (iii) blue copper (II) sulphate ?
(b) What property does sulphuric acid show in the following reaction?
C + 2H2SO4 CO2 + 2H2O + 2SO2
19.6 g of pure sulphuric acid are involved in the above reaction, how
many moles of sulphuric acid are involved in the reaction? How many . moles of
carbon are involved in the reaction? What is the mass of carbon dioxide in the
reaction? (C = 12 ; H = 1; S = 32 ; O = 16)
16. (a) Describe the industrial process for the production of pure sulphuric acid.
(b) 18 kg of water is added to every 178 kg of oleum produced by the above
process.What is the percentage purity of sulphuric acid by weight after adding this
amount of water? (H = 1 ; S = 32 ; O = 16)
17. (a) Write the equation for the reaction of sulphur trioxide with concentrated sulphuric
acid.
(b) What is the molecular mass of 100% pure sulphuric acid?
(H = 1; S = 32; O = 16)
(c) How many kilograms of water is needed to convert 98 kg of oleum to 98% pure
sulphuric acid?
18. Write TRUE or FALSE for each of the following statements.
(a) Sulphur is a yellow, strong, smelling solid element.
(b) Sulphur cannot exist in different allotropic forms like carbon and oxygen.
(c) Solid sulphur can exist in two crystalline forms.
(d) Sulphur can react with non-oxidizing acids such as dilute sulphuric acid and
hydrochloric acid.
(e) Hydrogen sulphide turns blue litmus slightly pink.

19. Fill in the blanks with a suitable word (s) or unit (s) or phrase (s).
(a) Two crystalline forms of sulphur are ................ sulphur and ................sulphur.
(b) Hydrogen sulphide turns .................. paper black.
(c) Sulphur dioxide can be prepared by the action of dilute sulphuric acid
on ................
(d) Sulphur dioxide ................. colouring matter by reduction.
(e) Sulphur trioxide is an ...................... oxide.
 209

20. Select the correct word or words given in the brackets.

(a) Sulphur dioxide can turn potassium dichromate paper (red, green, orange).
(b) Hydrogen sulphide gas can turn lead (II) nitrate paper (white, blue, black).
(c) Sulphur trioxide reacts with basic oxides to form (normal, neutral, acidic) salt.
(d) Hydrogen sulphide (oxidizes, reduces, displaces) halogens.
(e) Sulphur dioxide (bleaches, oxidizes, reduces) colouring matter.
21. Match each of the items given in List A with the appropriate item in List B.
List A List B
(a) Sulphur can exist in different allotropic (i) plastic sulphur is formed.
forms
(b)When any form of sulphur is heated (ii) like carbon and oxygen
almost to its boiling point and pour
into cold water
(c) Dilute sulphuric acid is reacted with (iii) contact process
iron (II) sulphide
(d)Sulphur dioxide gas is treated with (iv) hydrogen sulphide is produced
potassium dichromate paper
(e) The manufacture of sulphuric acid (v) the paper turns green
22. (a) A gas "G" is obtained by heating copper turnings with concentrated sulphuric
acid.
What is gas "G" ? Write down the equation.
(b) The gas "G" is collected by the upward displacement of air. Why ?
(c) What is the odour of gas "G" ?
(d) What would happen if gas "G" is passed into iodine solution ?
23. Sulphuric acid is manufactured by the following processes. The reactions involved
are as follows.
(a) sulphur + oxygen gas A
(b) gas A + oxygen catalyst B sulphur trioxide
(c) sulphur trioxide + liquid C oleum
(d) oleum + liquid D sulphuric acid
Give the names of gas A, catalyst B , liquid C , liquid D and write down
the chemical equations in symbols for the processes (a), (b), (c) and (d).
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