5 H2SO4 (aq) + 2 P (s) → 2 H3PO4 (aq) + 5 SO2 (aq) + 2 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
2 P0 - 10 e- → 2 PV (oxidation)
5 SVI + 10 e- → 5 SIV (reduction)
P is a reducing agent, H2SO4 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- H3PO4
- SO2 – Sulfur dioxide
- Other names: Sulfurous anhydride , Sulphur dioxide , Sulfurous acid anhydride
- Appearance: Colorless gas ; Colourless gas or compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour ; Colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating, pungent odor. [Note: A liquid below 14°F. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
- H2O – Water, oxidane