Question

Explain how sulphur exists in the +6 oxidation state.

Answer 1

1. Sulphur has valence shell configuration ns² np⁴ and needs to form 6 bonds to reach +6 oxidation state.
2. In the ground state, sulphur has 2 unpaired electrons, so it shows +2 state.
3. Sulphur attains +6 state by exciting its ns and np electrons to vacant d-orbitals.
4. This excitation creates 6 unpaired electrons, allowing bond formation with hybridisation sp³d².
5. The resulting geometry is octahedral with no lone pairs, stabilising the +6 oxidation state.
6. This explains sulphurs ability to exhibit +6 oxidation state in compounds like SO₃ and H₂SO₄.