The general formula of polythionate ion is S n + 2 O 6 2 − . If the average oxidation state of 'S' atom in any polythionate ion is equal to the bond order of 'S-O' bond, then c

Question

The general formula of polythionate ion is S n + 2 ​ O 6 2 − ​ . If the average oxidation state of 'S' atom in any polythionate ion is equal to the bond order of 'S-O' bond, then calculate the value of 'n' for the corresponding polythionate ion.

TestHub · Accepted Answer

Average Oxidation State of S: In Sₙ₊₂O₆²⁻, letting $x$ be the average oxidation state of sulfur: $(n + 2) x + 6 (- 2) = - 2 ⟹ x = \frac{10}{n + 2}$ .

S–O Bond Order: The terminal sulfur atoms are in a –SO₃⁻ environment, forming 5 bonds shared across 3 oxygen atoms, giving a bond order of $\frac{5}{3}$ .

Equating both values: $\frac{10}{n + 2} = \frac{5}{3} ⟹ 5 n + 10 = 30 ⟹ n = 4$ .

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