How do you count for the following observations?
When concentrated sulphuric acid is added to an inorganic mixture containing chloride, we get colourless pungent smelling gas HCl, but if the mixture contains bromide then we get red vapour of bromine. Why?

Question

How do you count for the following observations?
When concentrated sulphuric acid is added to an inorganic mixture containing chloride, we get colourless pungent smelling gas HCl, but if the mixture contains bromide then we get red vapour of bromine. Why?

Philoid · Accepted Answer

When conc. H₂SO₄ is added to an inorganic mixture containing bromide, initially HBr is produced. HBr, being strong reducing agent reduces H₂SO₄ to SO₂with the evolution of red vapour of bromine.

But, when conc. H₂SO₄ is added to an inorganic mixture containing chloride, a pungent smelling gas(HCl) is evolved. HCl being a weak reducing agent cannot reduce H₂SO₄ to SO_2.

2NaCl + 2H₂SO₄→ 2NaHSO₄ + 2HCl

How do you count for the following observations?When concentrated sulphuric acid is added to an inorganic mixture containing chloride, we get colourless pungent smelling gas HCl, but if the mixture contains bromide then we get red vapour of bromine. Why?

How do you count for the following observations?
When concentrated sulphuric acid is added to an inorganic mixture containing chloride, we get colourless pungent smelling gas HCl, but if the mixture contains bromide then we get red vapour of bromine. Why?