Question

The oxidation number and covalency of sulphur in sulphur molecule (S${}_8$) are :

• A. $0$ and $2$
• B. $+6$ and $8$
• C. $0$ and $8$
• D. none of these

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$0$ and $2$

The structure of $S_8$ is shown in the figure. Since in the homoatomic molecule, the oxidation number of the participating atom is zero, hence the oxidation number of sulphur in $S_8$ is $0$

It can be easily seen from the figure that each sulphur atom shares two electrons with its neighbour thus forming two covalent bonds. Hence, the covalency of sulphur in $S_8$ is $2$