Question

In polythionic acid, $H_2{S}_x{O}_6(x=3\text{to}5)$ the oxidation state(s) of sulphur is/are :

• A. $0\text{and}+5\text{only}$
• B. $+5\text{only}$
• C. $+6\text{only}$
• D. $+3\text{and}+5\text{only}$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $0\text{and}+5\text{only}$

Polythionic acid is an oxoacid which has a straight chain of sulfur atoms and has the chemical formula $S_n(S{O}_{3}H{)}_2$ (n > 2)
For $H_2{S}_x{O}_6(x=3\text{to}5)$, there ae two polythionic acids possible, i.e., trithionic acid ($H_2{S}_3{O}_6)$ and tetrathionic acid ($H_2{S}_4{O}_6)$
Therefore, the oxidation states of Sulphur are 0 and +5 only.