In which of the following species does sulfur have the same oxidation number as it does in H2SO4? (A) H2SO3

(B) S2O32-

(C) S2-

(D) S8

(E) SO2Cl2

E

Explanation:

To solve this question, we need to know the oxidation number in the compound in the question. The name of the compound is tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid. We can obviously see that the oxidation number of sulphur in this particular compound is 6.

A. Is wrong

The name of the compound is trioxosulphate (iv) ion

B. Is wrong

S2O32-

2S + 3 (-2) = - 2

S = + 2

C. is wrong

Oxidation state there is - 2

D is wrong

The oxidation number here is zero

E is correct

Oxidation number of oxygen is - 2 and that of chlorine is - 1

Hence:

S + 2 (-2) + 2 (-1) = 0

S - 4 - 2 = 0

S = 4+2 = + 6