Tetrathionate Ion and Oxidation States

The video tutorial explains how to find the oxidation numbers for sulfur in the tetrathionate ion (S4O6 2-). It begins by calculating the average oxidation number for sulfur atoms in the ion, considering the overall charge and typical oxidation states of oxygen. The tutorial then delves into determining the individual oxidation states of each sulfur atom, highlighting the differences due to their bonding environment. The video concludes with a summary of the findings, emphasizing the complexity of oxidation states in such ions.

What is the charge of the tetrathionate ion?

• +2

• +1

• -2

• -1

How many sulfur atoms are present in the tetrathionate ion?

• 5

• 4

• 3

• 2

What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in compounds?

• +2

• +1

• -2

• -1

What is the average oxidation number of sulfur in the tetrathionate ion?

• 2.0

• 2.5

• 3.5

• 3.0

Why is the average oxidation number not sufficient for determining the oxidation states of sulfur in the tetrathionate ion?

• Because oxygen atoms have different oxidation states

• Because the ion has no charge

• Because sulfur atoms have different bonding environments

• Because all sulfur atoms are identical

How many oxygen atoms are bonded to each sulfur atom in the tetrathionate ion?

• 1

• 3

• 4

• 2

What is the oxidation state of the sulfur atoms bonded to three oxygens?

• +4

• +5

• +3

• +2

What is the oxidation state of the sulfur atoms bonded to other sulfur atoms?

• +4

• +3

• +5

• +2

How many sulfur atoms have an oxidation state of +5 in the tetrathionate ion?

• 3

• 4

• 2

• 1

What is the total oxidation number of all sulfur atoms in the tetrathionate ion?

• +12

• +16

• +14

• +10