Bleaching action of `SO_2` is due to its

Options

A. oxidising property
B. acidic property
C. reducing property
D. basic property

Explanation

To determine the bleaching action of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), we need to analyze its properties and how it interacts with other substances. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the reasoning:

### Step 1: Understanding Bleaching
Bleaching refers to the process of removing color from a substance. In the context of textiles like wool and silk, bleaching agents are used to lighten or remove unwanted colors.

**Hint:** Consider what properties of a chemical might allow it to remove color.

### Step 2: Identifying the Properties of SO₂
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) can exhibit several chemical properties:
- It can act as an oxidizing agent.
- It can act as a reducing agent.
- It can exhibit acidic properties.
- It can exhibit basic properties.

**Hint:** Think about how each of these properties might contribute to the bleaching action.

### Step 3: Analyzing the Reducing Property
Among the properties of SO₂, its reducing property is particularly significant. A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, causing the other substance to be reduced. In the case of bleaching, SO₂ can reduce colored compounds, effectively removing their color.

**Hint:** Recall that reducing agents often convert higher oxidation states of elements to lower oxidation states.

### Step 4: Examples of SO₂'s Reducing Action
SO₂ can reduce ferric ions (Fe³⁺) to ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) and can also reduce permanganate ions (MnO₄⁻) to manganese ions (Mn²⁺). This reduction process is what contributes to its bleaching action.

**Hint:** Consider how the conversion of colored ions to colorless ions can lead to a bleaching effect.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the bleaching action of sulfur dioxide is primarily due to its reducing property. Therefore, the correct answer is that the bleaching action of SO₂ is due to its reducing property.

**Final Answer:** The bleaching action of SO₂ is due to its reducing property.