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  • SO2 Reaction with Potassium Dichromate: Chemical Equation & Explanation
    The gas that turns K2Cr2O7 paper from orange to green is sulfur dioxide (SO2).

    Here's the chemical equation for the reaction:

    K2Cr2O7 (orange) + 3 SO2 + H2O → Cr2(SO4)3 (green) + K2SO4 + H2SO4

    Explanation:

    * Potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) is an orange-colored compound.

    * Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas with a pungent odor.

    * Chromium(III) sulfate (Cr2(SO4)3) is a green-colored compound.

    In this reaction, sulfur dioxide acts as a reducing agent, reducing the chromium in potassium dichromate from a +6 oxidation state to a +3 oxidation state. This change in oxidation state results in the formation of chromium(III) sulfate, which is green.

    This reaction is a common test for the presence of sulfur dioxide. It's often used in chemical analysis and environmental monitoring.

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