What happens to sulfur when it burns?

Sulfur, when burned in air or oxygen, forms sulfur dioxide SO2 and sulfuric anhydride SO3.

In this case, sulfur is oxidized, donating valence electrons to oxygen atoms, and acquires the oxidation states (+4) and (+6), respectively.

Oxygen in both compounds is reduced, acquiring the oxidation state (-2):

1) S + O2 -> SO2;

2) 2S + 3O2 _> 2SO3.

In both redox reactions, sulfur acts as a reducing agent, and oxygen acts as an oxidizing agent.

Reaction products: 1) sulfur (IV) oxide;

2) sulfur oxide (VI).



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