DATE: __________

TOPIC:COMPOUNDS OF NITROGEN
CONTENT
 Oxides of Nitrogen
 Ammonia: Preparation, Properties and Uses.
 Trioxonitrate (V) acid: Preparation, Properties and Uses.
OXIDES OF NITROGEN
NITROGEN (I) OXIDE, N2O
Nitrogen (I) oxide is known as laughing gas as it causes uncontrollable laughter when
inhaled.

LABORATORY PREPARATION
The gas is prepared in the laboratory by thermal decomposition of ammonium trioxonitrate
(V). Ammonium trioxonitrate (V) is not heated directly since the reaction is exothermic and
may become uncontrollable leading to an explosion.
a. KNO3(s) + NH4Cl(s) → KCl(s) + NH4NO3(s)
b NH4NO3(s) → 2H2O(g) + N2O(g)

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. It is a colourless gas with a faint pleasant sickly smell and it has a sweetish taste.
2. It is fairly soluble in cold water.
3. It is 1.5 times denser than air.
4. It is neutral to moist litmus paper.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. It decomposes on strong heating (about 600oC) to form nitrogen and oxygen.
2N2O(g) → O2(g) + 2N2(g)

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 1

2. It supports the combustion of any burning substance which is hot enough to
decompose it.
Mg(s) + N2O(g) → MgO(s) + N2(g)
1. It is reduced to nitrogen by heated copper or iron
Cu(s) + N2O(g) → N2(g) + CuO(s)

TEST FOR N2O

A glowing splinter is inserted into the gas jar containing the unknown gas. If the splinter is
rekindled, the gas is either oxygen or nitrogen (I) oxide. If the gas has a pleasant smell and
does not produce brown fumes with nitrogen (IV) oxide; then the gas is nitrogen (I) oxide.

USE: Nitrogen (I) oxide is used as anesthetic for minor surgical operations.

EVALUATION
1. Describe the laboratory preparation of nitrogen (I) oxide.
2. Describe a test to distinguish between nitrogen (I) oxide and oxygen gas.

NITROGEN (II) OXIDE, NO

LABORATORY PREPARATION
Nitrogen (II) oxide is prepared by reacting 50% trioxonitrate (IV) acid with copper.
3Cu(s) + 8HNO3(aq) → 3Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 4H2O(l) + 2NO(g)
Some of the nitrogen (II) oxide gas reacts with oxygen in the flask to form brown fumes of
nitrogen (IV) oxide which is dissolved in water as the gas is pass through water.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. It is a colourless and poisonous gas.
2. It is a almost insoluble in water.
3. It is slightly denser than air.
4. It is neutral to litmus.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. It reacts readily with oxygen to form brown fumes of nitrogen (IV) oxide
2NO(g) + O2(g) → 2NO2(g)
2. It decomposes on heating at high temperature to form equal volume of nitrogen and
oxygen
2NO(s)→ N2(g) + O2(g)
3. It is reduced to nitrogen by hot metals
2Cu(s) + 2NO(g) → 2CuO(g) + N2(g)
4. It acts as reducing agent decolourizing acidified potassium tetraoxomanganate (VI)
slowly
3MnO4-(aq) + 4H+(aq) + 5NO(g) → 3Mn2+(aq) + 5NO3-(aq) + 2H2O(l)

TEST FOR NO
1. Using air: the gas jar containing the unknown gas is opened, if the gas turns reddish-
brown, then the gas is NO.

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 2

2. Using iron (II) tetraoxosulphate (VI): A solution of FeSO 4 which has been acidified with
a little dilute H2SO4 acid is poured into the gas jar containing the unknown gas. If the
solution turns dark brown, then the gas is NO.

EVALUATION
1. Give an equation to show the laboratory preparation of nitrogen (II) oxide.
2. State TWO physical and TWO chemical properties of nitrogen (II) oxide.

NITROGEN (IV) OXIDE, NO2

LABORATORY PREPARATION
Nitrogen (IV) oxide is prepared by thermal decomposition of lead (II) trioxonitrate (V)
because the nitrate does not contain water of crystallization which can interfere with the
preparation.
Pb(NO3)2(s) → 2PbO(s) + O2(g) + 4NO2(g)
The gas mixture obtained is passed through a U- tube immersed in a freezing mixture.
Nitrogen (IV) oxide liquefies as a green liquid (yellow if pure) in the tube while oxygen
escapes out.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. It is a reddish – brown gas.
2. It has an irritating smell and is poisonous.
3. It turns damp blue litmus paper red and dissolves in water to form acidic solution.
4. It liquefies into yellow liquid at 21oC.
5. It is much heavier than air.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. Nitrogen (IV) oxide exists mainly as dinitrogen (IV) oxide, N 2O4 at low temperature. It
decomposes on heating as follows.
N2O4(g) 2NO2(g) 2NO(g) + O2(g)
Pale Reddish colourless
yellow brown

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 3

2. It supports combustion as it decomposes on heating to nitrogen and oxygen
2NO2(g) → N2(g) + 2O2(g)
3. It is reduced to nitrogen by reducing agent.
4CU(s) + 2NO(g) → 4CuO(s) + N2(g)
4. It dissolves in water to form a mixture of dioxonitrate (III) and trioxonitrate (V) acids. It
is a mixed acid anhydride.
H2O(l) + 2NO2(g) → HNO2(aq) + HNO3(aq)
5. It reacts with alkalis to form mixture of dioxonitrate (III) and trioxonitrate (V) salts
2KOH(aq) + 2NO2(g) → KNO3(aq) + KNO2(aq) + H2O(l)

AMMONIA
Ammonia is a hydride of nitrogen. It is produced in nature when nitrogenous matter decays
in the absence of air. Thus, traces of ammonia may be found in the atmosphere but being
very soluble in water, it is dissolved by rain water and washed down into the soil.

LABORATORY PREPARATION OF AMMONIA

Ammonia is prepared in the laboratory by heating calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH) 2 (slaked lime)
with ammonium chloride.
Ca(OH)2(s)+ 2NH4Cl(s) → CaCl2(s) +2H2O(l)+2NH3(g).
Ammonia is dried using calcium oxide, CaO. Ammonia being alkaline cannot be dried using
Conc. H2SO4 or fused CaCl2, because they will react.

INDUSTRIAL PREPARATION
Ammonia is manufactured from nitrogen and hydrogen by the Haber process. It involves
mixing nitrogen and hydrogen in ratio 1:3 by volume. The reaction is reversible so special
conditions listed below are required for optional yield of ammonia.
i. Finely divided iron catalyst is used
ii. Temperature of about 450Oc is used
iii. Pressure of about 200atm is used.
The yield is about 15% under this condition
N2(g) +3H2(g) 2NH3(g) + heat

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 4

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. It is a colorless gas with a characteristic choking smell.
2. Ammonia in large quantity is poisonous as it affects respiratory muscles.
3. It is the only known alkaline gas.
4. It is about 1.7 times less dense than air.
5. Solid ammonia melts at -34.4OC and the liquid boils at -77.7OC.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. Ammonia burns readily in oxygen to form water vapor and nitrogen
4NH3(g) + 3O2(g) → 6H2O(g) + 2N2(g)
2. Ammonia reacts as reducing agents reacting with
i. Copper II oxide
3CuO(s) + 2NH3(g) → 3Cu(s) + 3H2O(l) + N2(g)
ii. Chlorine
3Cl2(g) + 8NH3(g) → 6NH4Cl(s) + N2(g)
3. Ammonia reacts with carbon IV oxide to form Urea and water vapour.
2NH3(g) + CO2(g) → (NH2)2 CO(s) + H2O(l)
urea

4. Ammonia reacts with acid to form ammoniums salts.

2NH3(g) + H2SO4(g) → (NH4)2SO4(s)

TEST FOR AMMONIA

Ammonia has a choking smell. It can be confirmed using:
1. Litmus paper: Damped red litmus is dipped into the gas jar containing the unknown
gas. If the litmus paper turns blue, then the gas is ammonia.
2. Hydrochloric acid: a glass rod is dipped in concentrated HCl and then inserted in the
gas jar containing the unknown gas. If white fumes are observed on the glass rod, then
the gas is ammonia.

USES OF AMMONIA
1. Ammonia is used in the manufacture of trioxonitrate (V) acid and Sodium
trioxocarbonate (IV) by the Solvay process.
2. Liquid ammonia is used as a refrigerant.
3. Aqueous ammonia is used in softening temporary hard water.
4. Aqueous ammonia is also used in laundries as a solvent for removing grease and oil
stains.

EVALUATION
1. Briefly describe the laboratory preparation of ammonia.
2. StateTWO physical and THREE chemical properties each of ammonia.

TRIOXONITRATE (V) ACID, HNO3

LABORATORY PREPARATION
Trioxonitrate (V) acid is a volatile acid and it is prepared in the laboratory by its
displacement from any trioxonitrate salt by concentrated H 2SO4 which is less volatile.
Trioxonitrate (V) of potassium or sodium is usually used because they are cheap.

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 5

 KNO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) → KHSO4(aq) + HNO3(aq)

NOTE: An all glass apparatus must be used in this preparation because the hydrogen
trioxonitrate (V) acid vapour will attack cork or rubber.

INDUSTRIAL PREPARATION
Trioxonitrate (V) acid is obtained by the catalytic oxidation of ammonia:
- Ammonia is treated with excess air using Platinum-rhodium catalyst at 700 oC to produce
nitrogen (II) oxide (96% conversion of NH3 is obtained)
4NH3(g) + 5O2(g) → 4NO(g) + 6H2O(g)
- Nitrogen (II) oxide formed is cooled and mixed with excess air to produce nitrogen (IV)
oxide.
2NO(g) + O2(g) → 2NO2(g)
- Nitrogen (IV) oxide formed is dissolved with excess air in hot water to yield trioxonitrate
(V) acid solution of up to 50% concentration.
4NO2(g) + 2H2O(l) + O2(g) → 4HNO3(aq)

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. The pure acid is a colourless fuming liquid with sharp choking smell. The acid turns
yellow due to its decomposition to nitrogen (IV) oxide which redissolves in the acid.
2. The pure acid boils at 860C and melts at -47oC
3. The density of the pure acid is 1.52 gcm-3
4. The pure acid is miscible with water in all properties and forms constant boiling
mixture with it at 121oC
5. The concentrated form of the acid is corrosive.
6. The dilute acid turns blue litmus red.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. As an acid it neutralizes bases and alkalis to form metallic trioxonitrate (V) and water
only
NaOH(aq) + HNO3(aq) → NaNO3(aq) + H2O(l)
2. As an acids it reacts with metallic trioxocarbonate (IV) to liberate
carbon (II) oxide

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 6

 CaCO3(s) + HNO3(aq) → Ca(NO3)2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
3. Unlike other acids, it rarely gives out hydrogen with metals except when very dilute
solution is reacted with Ca, Mg or Mn.
4. As an oxidizing agent, it reacts with non – metal to form the corresponding oxides of
the non – metals.
S(s) + 6HNO3(aq) → H2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) + 6NO2(g)
5. As an oxidizing agent, it oxidizes Cu, Pb, Hg and Ag to yield the
respective trioxonitrate (V) and nitrogen (IV) oxide if concentrated, but nitrogen (II)
oxide if the concentration is moderate.
Aluminum and iron are not oxidized to their oxides by concentrated HNO 3(aq) due to
formation of a surface coating of oxide which is passive do not allow further reaction
with the metals. Aluminum or iron lined container can be used to transport
concentrated HNO3(aq)
6. As an oxidizing agent, it oxidizes hydrogen sulphide to sulphur
H2S(g) + 2HNO3(aq) → S(s) + 2H2O(l) + 2NO2(g)
7. As an oxidizing agent, it oxidizes iron (II) salts to iron (III) salts
6Fe2+(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 2NO3-(aq) → 6Fe3+(aq) + 4H2O(l) + 2NO(g)

USES
1. It is used as an acid, oxidizing agent and nitrating agent in the laboratory.
2. It is used in nylon production and Terylene.
3. It is used as rocket fuel.
4. It is used in production of fertilizers, dyes, drugs and explosives.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION
1. Describe the laboratory preparation of trioxonitrate (V) acid.
2. Write TWO equations of reactions in which trioxonitrate (V) is acting as an acid.
3. Write an equation to show the reaction of nitrogen (IV) oxide as a mixed anhydride.
4. Describe the electrolysis of CuSO4 solution using platinum electrodes.
5. Classify the following oxides: CuO, Na2O, PbO, NO2, N2O

READING ASSIGNMENT
New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools by O. Y. Ababio (6 th edition), pages 406-
409, 411-419.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
SECTION A: Write the correct potion ONLY.
1. Pure trioxonitrate (V) acid is colourless but the product of its laboratory preparation is
yellow because of the presence of dissolved a. N2O b. NO c. NO2 d. NH3
2. Common laboratory drying agents are not used for drying ammonia because a.
ammonia is alkaline b. ammonia forms complexes with them c. ammonia reacts with
them and disappears into products d. ammonia is highly soluble in water
3. Ammonia has relatively high boiling point when compared with other similar
compounds because a. ammonia is stable b. ammonia is easily liquefied c. ammonia
has hydrogen bonding d. ammonia is soluble in water.
4. Aqueous ammonia solution used in the laboratory is referred to as aqueous ammonia
and not ammonium hydroxide because a. ammonia dissolves in water without forming

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 7

 bond b. ammonia solution easily decomposes and liberated free ammonia when the
temperature of the room rises leaving water in the bottle c. bond between ammonia
and OH- of water is weakly acidic d. ammonia is less dense than air.
5. Which of the following metals would be in passive state when treated with
concentrated HNO3? a. Zinc b. Sodium c. Tin d. Iron

SECTION B
1. Give reason for the following
a. The flask used for the laboratory preparation of ammonia is mounted in a
slanting position
b. An all glass apparatus is used for the laboratory preparation of trioxonitrate (V)
acid.
2. Give an example of a reaction in which ammonia behaves as a
a. reducing agent b. base c. precipitating agent

DATE: _________
TOPIC: SULPHUR
CONTENT
 General Properties of Sulphur Group.
 Electronic Structure of Sulphur Group.
 Extraction of Sulphur.
 Allotropes of Sulphur.
 Uses of Sulphur
GENERAL PROPERTIES OF THE SULPHUR GROUP (GROUP VI ELEMENTS)
The group VI elements include: Oxygen, Sulphur, Selenium, Tellurium and Polonium.
1. Metallic property increases down the group. Oxygen and sulphur are non-metal;
selenium and tellurium are metalloid; while polonium is a metal.
2. All the elements are solid except oxygen which is a gas at room temperature.
3. Oxygen and sulphur exhibit allotropy.
4. They have six electrons in their outermost shell. Hence their oxidation number is -2;
though sulphur can exhibit -4 and -6 states in some compounds.
5. Electronegativity decreases down the group. Thus, oxygen is a good oxidizing agent.

ELECTRONIC STRUCRURE OF SULPHUR GROUP

Members of the sulphur family include: Oxygen, Sulphur, Selenium, Tellurium and Polonium.
Their electronic configurations are shown below:
Oxygen = 8: 1s2 2s2 2p4
Sulphur = 16: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4
Selenium= 34: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p4
Tellurium = 52: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p4
Polonium = 84: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 5d10 5f14 6s2 6p4

SULPHUR
Sulphur is an element. It occurs freely as deposits and in combined state as sulphide and as
tetraoxosulphate (IV).

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 8

EXTRACTION OF SULPHUR
Sulphur is extracted from underground by Frasch process. A three concentric sulphur pump
is driven down a hole dug to the sulphur bed. The solid sulphur is melted at 115 oC by super –
heated water at 170oC and 10atms. The molten sulphur is forced out by hot compressed air
at 15atm. The molten sulphur is then continuously pumped out and allowed to solidify in a
large tank. The sulphur obtained is 99.5% pure.

ALLOTROPES OF SULPHUR
The two main crystalline allotropes of sulphur are:
1 Rhombic sulphur: A bright yellow octahedral crystalline solid. Each crystal is made up
of S8 molecules. Rhombic sulphur is stable below 96oC.

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 9

2 Monoclinic Sulphur: This is amber coloured solid sulphur consisting of needle shaped
S8 crystal. Stable above 96 oC. It easily reverts to Rhombic below 96 oC. The transition
temperature between Rhombic and Monoclinic is 96oC.

Comparison of the Physical Properties of Rhombic and Monoclinic Sulphur

1. Rhombic Sulphur melts at 113oC;while monoclinic sulphur melts at 119oC.
2. Rhombic sulphur has bright yellow colour; while monoclinic sulphur has amber colour.
3. Rhombic sulphur has octahedral shape; while monoclinic sulphur is needle-like in
shape.
4. Rhombic sulphur is translucent; while monoclinic is transparent.

Sulphur also exists as non – crystalline solid. These are

1. Amorphous sulphur
2. Plastic sulphur

EVALUATION
1. Briefly explain the Frasch process.
2. Name the two allotropes of sulphur and state their transition temperature.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. Sulphur is a yellow solid.
2. It is insoluble in water but soluble in toluene and carbon (IV) sulphide.
3. It is a poor – conductor of heat and electricity.
4. It melts at 119oC and boils at 444oC.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. It reacts directly with metals to form sulphide (S2-)
Fe(s) + S(s) → FeS(s)
2. It reacts with excess oxygen to form sulphur (IV) oxide
O2(g) + S(s) → SO2(g)
3. It reacts with hydrogen to form hydrogen sulphide;
H2(g) + S(s) → H2S(g)
4. It reacts with coke (carbon) to form carbon (IV) sulphide.
C(s) + 2S(s) → CS2(l)
USES
1. Used in manufacturing tetraoxosulphate (IV) acid
2. Used in vulcanization of rubber
3. Used as germicides
4. Used in manufacturing bleaching agent

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION
1. State THREE physical and chemical properties of sulphur.
2. Outline THREE differences between monoclinic and rhombic sulphur.
3. Descried the Frasch process for the extraction of sulphur.
4. State TWO differences between a conductor and an electrolyte.
5. List the steps involve in the treatment of water for municipal supply.

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 10

READING ASSIGNMENT
New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools by O. Y. Ababio (6 th edition), page 381-
384

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
SECTION A: Write the correct option ONLY
1. Sulphur is extracted by (a) Haber process (b) Frasch process (c) Solvay process (d)
Contact process
2. Which of the following is a crystalline allotropes of sulphur (a) Monoclinic (b) Plastic
(c) Amorphous (d) Colloidal
3. The density of rhombic sulphur is (a) 1.2 (b) 1.5 (c) 2.08 (d) 1.98
4. The shape of monoclinic sulphur is (a) needle shape (b) hexagonal (c) octahedral (d)
tetrahedral
5. Sulphur is used for (a) making of cellulose (b) cooking rice (c) vulcanizing rubber (d)
manufacturing glass

SECTION B
1. Give three differences between rhombic sulphur and monoclinic sulphur
2. Briefly describe the extraction of sulphur

DATE: _________
TOPIC: COMPOUNDS OF SULPHUR
CONTENT
 H2S, SO2 and SO3: Preparation, Properties and Uses
 Tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid: Industrial Preparation (Contact Process).
HYDROGEN SULPHIDE, H2S
Hydrogen sulphide is found in volcanic gases, sulphur springs, coal gas and natural gas.

LABORATORY PREPARATION
Hydrogen sulphide is prepared in the laboratory by the action of dilute acids on metallic
sulphide like Iron (II) sulphide
2HCl(aq) + FeS(s) → FeCl2(aq) + H2S(g)
The apparatus used for regular supply of hydrogen sulphide in the laboratory is Kipp’s
apparatus.

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 11

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless gas with smell like that of rotten egg.
2. It is a very poisonous.
3. It is about 1.18 times denser than air.
4. It is moderately soluble in water to form very weak acidic solution.
5. It burns with pale blue flame.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. As an acid it reacts with alkali to form a normal salt and water
2NaOH(aq) + H2S(g) → Na2S(aq) + 2H2O(l)
2. It reacts with excess oxygen to form sulphur (VI) oxide but forms deposit of sulphur
with limited oxygen
2H2S(g) + 3O2(g) → 2H2O(l) + 2SO2(g)
2H2S(g) + O2(g) → 2H2(l) + 2S(s)
3. As a reducing agent, it reacts with many oxidizing agents such as acidified KMnO4,
acidified K2Cr2O7, chlorine gas, FeCl2, SO2, H2SO4 and HNO3

TEST FOR HYDROGEN SULPHIDE

A piece of filter paper is moisten with lead (II) trioxonitrate (V) solution and dropped it into a
gas jar of the unknown gas. If the paper turns black, then the gas is H 2S.

EVALUATION
1. Name the reagents used in laboratory preparation of hydrogen sulphide.
2. List TWO physical and chemical properties each of hydrogen sulphide.

SULPHUR (IV) OXIDE, SO2

LABORATORY PREPARATION

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 12

Sulphur (IV) oxide is prepared in the laboratory by heating sodium or potassium
trioxosulphate (IV) with tetraoxosulphate (IV) acid or hydrochloric acid.
Na2SO3(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + SO2(g)

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. Sulphur (IV) oxide is a colourless poisonous gas with smell like that of burning
matches.
2. It is very soluble in water.
3. It is about 2.5 times denser than air.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. As an acid, it reacts with alkali to form normal salt of trioxosulphate and water only
2NaOH(aq) + SO2(g) → Na2SO3(aq) + H2O(l)
2. As reducing agent, sulphur (IV) oxide reacts with many oxidizing agents such as
acidified KMnO4; acidified K2Cr2O7; FeCl3, HNO3, chlorine gas. It decolorizes acidified
purple KMnO4 and turns acidified orange K2Cr2O7 to green.
3. It reacts as bleaching agent decolourising dye by its bleaching action. The bleaching
action is similar to that of chlorine in that there must be water. But, while chlorine
bleaches by oxidation sulphur IV oxide bleaches by reduction.
4. Sulphur (IV) oxide reacts as oxidizing agent in the presence of strong reducing agent
such as hydrogen sulphide.
2H2S(g) + SO2(g) → 2H2O(l) + 3S(s)
C(s) + SO2(g) → CO2(g) + S(s)

TEST FOR SO2

1. If an unknown gas bleaches a coloured flower, SO2 can be suspected
2. The unknown gas bubbled through solution of either acidified potassium
heptaoxodichromate (VI) or potassium tetraoxomanganate (VII). If orange colour of
the acidified K2Cr2O7 turn green or the purple colour of the acidified KMnO 4 turns
colourless, then the unknown gas is SO2

USES
1. It is used in manufacture of tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid.
2. It is used as a germicides and a fumigant especially for destroying termites.
3. It is used as bleaching agent for straw, silt and wood.
4. It is used as preservative in some liquid e.g orange juice.
5. Liquid sulphur (IV) oxide is used as refrigerant.

EVALUATION
1. Give one method of preparing sulphur (IV) oxide in the laboratory.
2. State THREE physical and chemical properties of sulphur (IV) oxide.

SULPHUR (VI) OXIDE, SO3

Sulphur (VI) oxide is prepared by reacting sulphur (IV) oxide and oxygen under special
conditions which are:
1. Presence of platinized asbestos or vanadium (V) oxide as catalyst
2. Pressure of 1atm

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 13

3. Temperature range of 400oC – 450oC.
2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g)

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SO3

1. It exists as white needle-like crystals at room temperature.
2. It has a low boiling point and vapourizes on gentle heating.
3. It dissolves readily in water to give tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid.

TRIOXOSULPHATE IV ACID, H2SO3

Trioxosulphate (IV) acid is a dibasic acid with a molecular formula H2SO3
LABORATORY PREPARATION OF H2SO3
It is prepared by the action of dilute hydrochloric acid on heated sodium trioxosulphate (IV)
to produce sulphur (IV) oxide, which is then dissolved in water.
Na2SO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + S02(g)
H2O(l) + SO2(g) H2SO3(aq)
Sulphur (IV) Oxide is the acid anhydride of trioxosulphate (IV) acid.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF H2SO3

1 It turns blue litmus paper red.
2 It is colourless liquid.
3 It is mixes readily with water.
4 It has an irritating and choking smell.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF H2SO3

1 It reacts with alkalis to form salt and water.
2NaOH(aq) + H2SO3(aq) → Na2SO3(aq) + 2H2O(l)
2 It is oxidized in air to tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid
2H2SO3(aq) + O2(g) → 2H2SO4(aq)
3 It reduces oxidizing agent such as potassium tetraoxomanganate (VII) and potassium
heptaoxodichromate (VI).
4 It bleaches dyes in the presence of water.

TEST FOR SO32-

Barium chloride solution is added to the solution of the unknown substance. A white
precipitate soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid confirms the presence of a trioxosulphate (IV)
ion.

USES OF H2SO3
1. It is used for bleaching straw and other fabrics.
2. It is used as a germicide.

EVALUATION
1. Write an equation of reaction for the laboratory preparation of trioxosulphate IV
2. State two physical and two chemical properties of trioxosulphate IV

TETRAOXOSULPHATE VI ACID, H2SO4

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 14

Tetraoxosulphate VI acid is one of the most important chemical compounds known. It is
used in almost every manufacturing process; hence it is mostly prepared industrially.

INDUSTRIAL PREPARATION OF H2SO4

Industrially, tetraoxosulphate VI acid is manufactured by Contact process. The following
steps are involved in Contact process.
1. Burning sulphur in dry air to obtain sulphur (IV) oxide, SO2
S(s) + O2(g) → SO2(g)
2. The sulphur (IV) oxide produced is mixed with excess air and passed through an
electric chamber to remove impurities and dust which may poison the catalyst. The
gaseous mixture is then passed through concentrated H 2SO4 to dry it before passing
it into the reaction chamber.
3. The dried gaseous mixture is delivered to the contact tower (reaction chamber)
where the sulphur (IV) oxide and oxygen combine in the presence of pellets of
catalyst, vanadium (V) oxide, V2O5 to yield sulphur (VI) oxide. The reaction takes
place at atmospheric pressure and temperature of 450-500oC.
2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g) + heat
4. The sulphur (VI) oxide is cooled and then dissolved in concentrated H 2SO4 to produce
a thick liquid called Oleum.
H2SO4(aq) + SO3(g) → H2S2O7(aq)
5. The Oleum is then diluted with water appropriately to produce 98%
tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid.
H2O(l) + H2S2O7(aq) → 2H2SO4(aq)

NOTE: Sulphur (VI) oxide is not dissolved directly in water to produce the acid because of
the large amount of heat that is evolved in the process. The heat is capable of boiling the
acid formed to produce mist of droplets which can spread throughout the factory and cause
acid burns.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. It is a colourless, vicious liquid with density of 1.84gcm-3
2. It is corrosive and cause burns when in contact with the skin.
3. It is highly soluble in water evolving large amount of heat.

CHEMICAL PROEPERTIES
1. As an acid, it reacts with metal which are above hydrogen in the electrochemical
series to liberate hydrogen gas
Zn(s) + H2SO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g)
2. It reacts with bases to form salts and water
MgO(s) + H2SO4(aq) → MgSO4(aq) + H2O(l)
3. It reacts with alkali to form normal and acidic salt
H2SO4(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaHSO4(aq) + H2O(l)
H2SO4(aq) + NaOH(aq) → Na2 SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)
4. As an acid, it reacts with trioxocarbonate (IV) to liberate carbon (IV) oxide
H2SO4(aq) + CuCO3(aq) → CuSO4(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
5. As oxidizing agent, concentrated H2SO4 oxidize metals, non –metals and hydrogen
sulphide in the following ways.

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 15

 Zn(s) + 2H2SO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) + SO2(g)
C(s) + 2H2SO4(aq) → 2H2O(l) + CO2(g) + 2SO2(g)
H2SO4(aq) + H2S(g) → S(s) + H2O(l) + SO2(g)
6. Concentrated tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid is a dehydrating agent, removing water from
compounds like sugar, ethanol, methanoic acid and ethanedioic acid
C12H22O11(s) → 12C(s) + 11H2O(l)
sugar charcoal

7. Concentrated tetraoxosulphate (VI) displaces volatile acids from their salts

KCl(s) + H2SO4(aq) → KHSO4(aq) + HCl(g)

TEST FOR SO42-

Barium chloride solution is added to the solution of the unknown substance. A white
precipitate insoluble in excess dilute hydrochloric acid confirms the presence of a
tetraoxosulphate (VI) ion.

USES OF H2SO4
1 It is used in production of fertilizers e.g ammonium tetraoxosulphate (VI).
2 It is used in purification of crude oil.
3 It is used as an electrolyte in lead acid accumulator.
4 It is used as drying agent for many gases except NH3 and H2S gas.
5 It is used to clean metals before electroplating.

USES OF TETRAOXOSULPHATE (VI) SALTS

1. Ammonium tetraoxosulphate (VI) used as fertilizers
2. Sodium tetraoxosulphate (VI) is used in paper manufacture and as a purgative
3. Calcium tetraoxosulphate (VI) is mined as gypsum and when heated forms plaster of
Paris used to set broken bones.
4. Aluminum tetraoxosulphate (VI) is used to coagulate precipitate in purification of
water
5. Iron II tetraoxosulphate (VI) is used to treat anaemia.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION
1. Using equations only, outline the steps involve in the Contact process.
2. State THREE physical and chemical properties each of tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid
3. Give three uses of tetraoxosulphate (VI) salts.
4. A current is passed through three electrolytic cells connected in series containing
solutions of silver trioxonitrate (V), copper (II) tetraoxosulphate (VI) and brine
respectively. If 12.7g of copper is deposited in the second electrolytic cell, calculate
a. the mass of silver deposited in the first cell,
b. the volume of chlorine liberated in the third cell at 17 oC and 800mmHg pressure.
[Ag = 108, Cu = 63.5, 1F = 96500C, Molar gas volume at s.t.p = 22.4 dm 3]
5. 1.33dm3 of water at 70oC is saturated by 2.25moles of lead (II) trioxonitrate (V), and
1.33dm3 of water at 18oC saturated by 0.53mole of the same salt. If 4.50dm 3 of the
saturated solution are cooled from 70 oC to 18oC, calculate the amount of solute that
will be deposited in
a. moles
b. grams [ Pb = 207, N= =14 O = 16]

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 16

READING ASSIGNMENT
New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary School by O. Y. Ababio (6 th edition), pages 384-
396

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
SECTION A: Write the correct option ONLY.
1. The acid anhydride of tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid is a. SO2 b. SO3 c. SO4 d. SO
2. Which of the following compounds gives a white precipitate with acidified barium
chloride solution? a. K2SO4 b. NaNO3 c. KCl d. CaCO3
3. Why do we acidify the solution used for testing for the presence of S0 42-a. To prevent
the precipitation of any other ion that may be present in the solution. b. To acidify the
test solution. c. To increase the rate of the reaction d. The acid acts as catalyst.
4. Which of the following is used as catalyst in the Contact process? a. V 2O5 b. Platinum c.
Fe3O2 d. Nickel
5. What is the colour of tetraoxosulphate VI acid? a. Colourless b. White c. Blue d. Pale
white

SECTION B
1. Explain why sulphur (VI) oxide is not dissolve directly in water during the Contact
process for preparing tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid.
2. Using balanced equations ONLY, describe the stages involved in the manufacture of
tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid using the Contact process.

2ND TERM/CHEMISTRY/SS 2PAGE 17