Question

What happens when S reacts with hot and conc. H2SO4?

Answer 1

Sulphuric acid

• Sulphuric acid has a chemical formula ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$.
• It acts as an excellent oxidizing and dehydrating agent.

Reaction of Sulphur with concentrated sulphuric acid

• A redox reaction takes place when sulphur reacts with concentrated sulphuric acid to give sulphur dioxide and water.
• The reaction is as follows.

$\mathrm{S}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+2{\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to 3{\mathrm{SO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)$