Q. Calculate the oxidation number of Sulphur in K2S2O3 and SOCl2.
Let the oxidation number of S in K2S2O3 be x.
also, we know that the oxidation number of potassium is +1
and the oxidation number of oxygen is -2.
Applying the rule,
(+1) × 2 + (x) × 2 + (-2) × 3 = 0
+2 + 2x – 6 = 0
2x – 4 = 0
2x = +4
x = +2
Hence the oxidation number of Sulphur in K2S2O3 is +2.
Similarly, let the oxidation number of sulphur in SOCl2 is y.
then according to the rule,
y + (-2) × 2 + (-1) × 2 = 0
y – 4 -2 = 0
y-6 = 0
y = +6
Hence the oxidation number of sulphur in SOCl2 is + 6.