Question

What is the oxidation state of S in the following compound?

SF₆

Answer 1

Fluorine always has an oxidation state of –1 in compounds (most electronegative element).

Let the oxidation state of sulphur be x.

SF₆ ⇒ 1 sulphur atom and 6 fluorine atoms

So the total oxidation state for all atoms:

x + 6(−1) = 0

x − 6 = 0

x = +6

∴ The oxidation state of sulphur (S) in SF₆ is +6.