Question

So2 isa powerfulreducing agent in alkaline medium than in acidic medium why

Answer 1

SO2 acts as a reducing agent because of the liberation of nescent hydrogen in the presence of moisture; SO2 + 2H2O ---------- H2SO4 +2H Alkali neutralises the acid (H2SO4) and shifts the equilibrium in the forward direction producing more nascent hydrogen.however,in acidic medium,the equilibrium is suppressed resulting in a lesser amount of nascant hydrogen.consequently,SO2 is better reducing agent in alkaline medium than in the acidic medium