2 SO2 (aq) + 2 HNO3 (aq) + H2O (l) → N2O3 (g) + 2 H2SO4 (aq)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
2 SIV - 4 e- → 2 SVI (oxidation)
2 NV + 4 e- → 2 NIII (reduction)
SO2 is a reducing agent, HNO3 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- SO2 – Sulfur dioxide



- Other names: Sulfurous anhydride


, Sulphur dioxide 
, Sulfurous acid anhydride 

- Appearance: Colorless gas
; Colourless gas or compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour
; Colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating, pungent odor. [Note: A liquid below 14°F. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.] 
- Other names: Sulfurous anhydride
- HNO3 – Nitric acid



- Other names: Aqua fortis


, Spirit of niter 
, Eau forte 
- Appearance: Colorless, yellow or red fuming liquid
; Colourless-to-yellow liquid with pungent odour
; Colorless, yellow, or red, fuming liquid with an acrid, suffocating odor. [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution. Fuming nitric acid is concentrated nitric acid that contains dissolved nitrogen dioxide.] 
- Other names: Aqua fortis
- H2O – Water, oxidane

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