Compound (X) is a polythionic acid. The number of divalent sulfur atoms in (X) is equal to the number of $σ$ bonds formed by each carbon atom in $C_{60}$ fullerene. Calculate the molar mass (g/mol) of (X).
[Atomic mass : S = 32 , C = 12 , O = 16, H = 1]

Question

Compound (X) is a polythionic acid. The number of divalent sulfur atoms in (X) is equal to the number of $σ$ bonds formed by each carbon atom in $C_{60}$ fullerene. Calculate the molar mass (g/mol) of (X).

[Atomic mass : S = 32 , C = 12 , O = 16, H = 1]

TestHub · Accepted Answer

Each carbon atom in C₆₀ fullerene is sp² hybridized and forms exactly 3 $σ$ bonds.

Therefore, the polythionic acid (X) contains 3 divalent sulfur atoms.

Polythionic acids (H₂SₙO₆) contain $(n - 2)$ divalent sulfur atoms, meaning $n - 2 = 3 ⟹ n = 5$ . Thus, compound (X) is pentathionic acid with the chemical formula H₂S₅O₆.

Molar mass of H₂S₅O₆ = $(2 \times 1) + (5 \times 32) + (6 \times 16) = 258 g / m o l$ .

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