Use Table 17.1 to predict what reaction, if any, will occur...

Use Table 17.1 to predict what reaction, if any, will occur if sulfur is added to acidic aqueous solutions of the following species at standard conditions.
(a) $\mathrm{MgBr}_{2}$
(b) $\mathrm{Sn}\left(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)_{2}$
(c) $\mathrm{Cr}\left(\mathrm{ClO}_{3}\right)_{2}$

Key Concepts

Reactivity Series and Displacement Reactions

The reactivity series is a ranking of elements (and sometimes compounds) based on their ability to displace others in chemical reactions. In the context of predicting whether a reaction will occur upon adding sulfur to an acidic solution, understanding whether sulfur lies above or below a given element in the series helps determine if a displacement or redox reaction can take place.

Redox Reaction Prediction

Redox (oxidation-reduction) reactions require an assessment of which species will act as the oxidizing agent and which as the reducing agent. By evaluating potential electron transfers between sulfur and the other species (metal ions in this case), one can predict whether the reaction will proceed, based on whether the electron transfer yields products of lower energy under standard conditions.

Standard Reduction Potentials

This concept involves comparing the inherent tendencies of different species to be reduced or oxidized under standard conditions. By using standard reduction potentials, chemists can predict whether a redox reaction is thermodynamically favorable when one species is added to a solution containing another, such as determining whether elemental sulfur can oxidize or be reduced by a metal ion in acidic solution.

Acidic Aqueous Conditions

The environment of an acidic aqueous solution (high proton concentration) can significantly affect the speciation and redox behavior of the reactants. Acidic conditions may facilitate certain redox processes or alter the observable products by engaging in side reactions, so it is important to consider the influence of H+ ions when predicting the outcome of adding elemental sulfur to such solutions.

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