General Science • ChemistryMedium
What happens when sulfur dioxide gas is bubbled through an acidified aqueous solution of potassium permanganate?
A. The purple solution turns bright green due to the formation of potassium manganate.
B. The purple color of the permanganate solution is completely discharged and turns colorless as manganese is reduced.✓ Correct Answer
C. A white precipitate of barium sulfate is instantly formed in the test tube.
D. The solution turns deep blue due to complexation with sulfur.
💡 Solution & Explanation
Sulfur dioxide acts as a strong reducing agent when passed through acidified potassium permanganate solution, reducing purple permanganate ions into colorless manganese(II) ions while sulfur dioxide itself gets oxidized to sulfate ions. This classic chemical test distinguishes sulfur dioxide from other non-flammable gases like carbon dioxide. Potassium permanganate is a powerful oxidizing agent widely used in volumetric redox titrations.
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