Question

So2 is reducing while teo2 is an oxidizing agent why

Answer 1

Answer:

SO2 is reducing agent because sulphur has d orbital so it can easily expand its +4 oxidation state to +6 oxidation state and can be behave as reducing agent but in TeO2 , Te is heaver elements , - electrons are reluctant to take part in bond formation due to poor shielding of d- and f- orbital thus lower oxidation state (+2,-2) becomes more stable( inert pair effect) and hence TeO2 is oxidizing agent

Explanation:

finally we can say that , it is due to inert pair effect in the case of TeO2