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Question:

Consider the reaction: H2SO3(aq) + Sn4+(aq) + H2O(l) → Sn2+(aq) + HSO4-(aq) + 3H+(aq) Which of the following statement is correct?

Sn4+ is the reducing agent because it undergoes oxidation

H2SO3 is the reducing agent because it undergoes oxidation

H2SO3 is the oxidizing agent because it undergoes reduction

Sn4+ is the oxidizing agent because it undergoes oxidation

Solution:

The oxidation number of sulphur in H2SO3 is +4 and it gets oxidized to +6 in HSO4-. Sn4+ gets reduced to Sn2+ in the given reaction. We can say that H2SO3 is the reducing agent because it undergoes oxidation. Hence, option B is correct.