Hot concentrated sulphuric acid is a moderately strong oxidizing agent. Which of the following reactions does not show oxidizing behaviour?
- Cu + 2H2SO4 CuSO4 + SO2 + 2H2O
- 3S + 2H2SO4 3SO2 + 2H2O
- C + 2H2SO4 CO2 + 2SO2 + 2H2O
- CaF2 + H2SO4 CaSO4 + 2HF
Answer
(4) CaF2 + H2SO4 CaSO4 + 2HF
Solution
In (1), (2) and (3), S of H2SO4 is reduced from +6 to +4 (SO2) while Cu (0 → +2), S (0 → +4) and C (0 → +4) are oxidised ⇒ oxidising behaviour.
In (4): Ca +2, F −1, S +6, H +1 on both sides ⇒ no change in oxidation number.
⇒ H2SO4 only acts as a (non-volatile) acid to displace HF.
Answer: (4)