What is the oxidation state of sulfur in the thiosulfate anion (S2O3^2-)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. +2
- Step 1: Recall standard oxidation state of oxygen in oxoanions: -2.
- Step 2: Let x be the average oxidation state of sulfur.
- Step 3: Set up the equation for the net charge of the polyatomic ion: 2x + 3(-2) = -2.
- Step 4: Solve for x: 2x - 6 = -2 => 2x = +4 => x = +2.
Answer
2.
Why not the others: '+4' is the oxidation state of sulfur in sulfite (SO3^2-); '+6' is the oxidation state in sulfate (SO4^2-); '-2' is the oxidation state in sulfide (S^2-).
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