I don't understand a question

9701_w11_qp_11
Sulfur dioxide is used as a preservative in wine making.The following equations describe how sulfur dioxide dissolves.H2O + SO2 HSO3– + H+HSO3– + H+ SO32– + 2H+Which statement about these two reactions is correct?

A HSO3– acts as a base.B SO2 acts as an oxidising agent.C SO32– acts as an acid.D SO32– acts as a reducing agent.

Answer is A, why?

Thank you!

Reply 1

Pigster

20

With your unfortunately terrible layout, it is hard to say, but...

There is no change in oxidation state at any stage, so B and D can't be right.
C can't be correct as SO32- doesn't contain H+, so how could it act as an acid (Shut it Gilbert!)
So that leaves A, which must be right. Not that it appears to be accepting H+, but at least it can.

Reply 2

thefatone

6

Original post by Deathlotus

9701_w11_qp_11
Sulfur dioxide is used as a preservative in wine making.The following equations describe how sulfur dioxide dissolves.H2O + SO2 HSO3– + H+HSO3– + H+ SO32– + 2H+Which statement about these two reactions is correct?

A HSO3– acts as a base.B SO2 acts as an oxidising agent.C SO32– acts as an acid.D SO32– acts as a reducing agent.

Answer is A, why?

Thank you!

is this an elimination reaction?