In polythionic acid, $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{~S}_{\mathrm{x}} \mathrm{O}_{6}(\mathrm{x}=3$ to 5$)$ the oxidation state(s) of sulphur is/are :

JEE Main · 2021 · 27 Aug 2021 · Shift 1 · p-Block Elements

In polythionic acid,

H_{2} S_{x} O_{6} (x = 3

to 5

)

the oxidation state(s) of sulphur is/are :

(A)+3 and +5 only
(B)+6 only
(C)0 and +5 only✓ Correct
(D)+5 only

Answer: (C)

Solution

In polythionic acids

H_{2} S_{x} O_{6}

the two terminal sulphur atoms each bear three oxygens and carry an oxidation state of

+ 5

, while the

(x - 2)

sulphur atoms of the central chain are bonded only to sulphur and have an oxidation state of

0

. For

x = 3

5

the sulphur oxidation states present are

0

and

+ 5

JEE Main · 2021 · 27 Aug 2021 · Shift 1 · Single correct option

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