4 Mg + 5 H2SO4 → 4 MgSO4 + H2S + 4 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
SVI + 8 e- → S-II (reduction)
4 Mg0 - 8 e- → 4 MgII (oxidation)
H2SO4 is an oxidizing agent, Mg is a reducing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- MgSO4 – Magnesium sulfate
- H2S – Hydrogen sulfide
- Other names: D , Ihydrogen monosulfide|Dihydrogen sulfide|Sewer gas|Sulfane|Sulfurated hydrogen|Sulfureted hydrogen|Sulfuretted hydrogen|Sulfur hydride|Hydrosulfuric acid|Hydrothionic acid|Thiohydroxic acid|Sulfhydric acid}} , Hydrosulfuric acid
- Appearance: Colorless gas ; Colourless compressed liquefied gas with characteristic odour of rotten eggs ; Colorless gas with a strong odor of rotten eggs. [Note: Sense of smell becomes rapidly fatigued & can NOT be relied upon to warn of the continuous presence of H2S. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
- H2O – Water, oxidane