MCQ Detailed View

Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is an acidic oxide of sulfur, while chlorine (Cl₂) is a strong halogen. When these two react in the presence of sunlight, a photochemical reaction occurs. The reaction is as follows:

SO₂ + Cl₂ → SO₂Cl₂

This produces Sulphuryl chloride (SO₂Cl₂), an important inorganic compound. Sunlight is necessary because it provides the energy to generate chlorine radicals, which initiate the reaction. The process is an example of a photochemical halogenation reaction.

Key points:

1. 
   

   Sulphuryl chloride (SO₂Cl₂) is a colorless liquid used in organic synthesis, especially as a chlorinating agent.

   
   


2. 
   

   The reaction does not produce sulphur dioxide again, nor does it form sulphanyl chloride under these conditions.

   
   


3. 
   

   The reaction demonstrates how sunlight can drive chemical reactions by generating reactive intermediates such as free radicals.

   
   


4. 
   

   This reaction is significant in both industrial chemistry and academic inorganic chemistry, showing the transformation of sulfur oxides into chlorinated compounds.

   
   

Understanding the formation of Sulphuryl chloride helps students link the concepts of oxidation, halogen chemistry, and photochemical reactions. It also emphasizes the importance of reaction conditions, such as sunlight, in determining the products of a chemical reaction.

In conclusion, when SO₂ reacts with Cl₂ in sunlight, the only correct product is Sulphuryl chloride (SO₂Cl₂), making Option B the right choice.