Reactions in mixed non-aqueous systems containing sulphur dioxide. Part 1. The dissolution of main-group metals in the binary mixture dimethyl sulphoxide–sulphur dioxide

Abstract

The metals M = Mg, Al, In, or Sn react with the mixed non-aqueous solvent dimethyl sulphoxide (dmso)–sulphur dioxide to form the metal disulphates, and Sr, Ba, or Pb react with the same system to form the metal sulphates. Other metals (Li, Na, Be, Ca, Ga, Tl, Sb, or Bi) dissolve in the mixed solvent, but so far it has not been possible to characterise the products. Phase studies and a Raman spectroscopic investigation indicate the existence of a 1 : 1 adduct of dmso and SO₂ which is considered responsible for the reaction of metals with the system. A likely mechanism for the oxidative process is discussed.