Question

Which of the following statements regarding sulphur is incorrect?

• A. $S_2$ molecule is paramagnetic.
• B. The vapour at ${200}^{o}C$ consists mostly of $S_8$ rings.
• C. At ${600}^{o}C$ the gas mainly consists of $S_2$ molecules.
• D. The oxidation state of sulphur is never less than $+4$ in its compounds.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The oxidation state of sulphur is never less than $+4$ in its compounds.

(a) $S_2$ molecule is paramagnetic like $O_2$ and both have two unpaired electrons. At elevated temperature $(\sim 1000K)$ $S_2$ is the dominant species and is paramagnetic like $O_2.$

(b) The vapour at ${200}^{o}C$ consists mostly of $S_8$ rings.

(c) $S_8\left(g\right)\stackrel{{600}^{\circ }}{\to }3S_2\left(g\right)$

d). The oxidation state of sulphur ranges between -2 to +6 in different compounds e.g.

$H_{2}S⟶$ $-2$ oxidation state of sulphur

$H_{2}S{O}_4⟶$ $+6$ oxidation state of sulphur

Option D is correct.