Question

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

PbS

Answer 1

Lead can show +2 and +4 oxidation states.

In PbS, lead is in the +2 oxidation state (most stable with S²⁻).

Let the oxidation state of Pb = +2 and the oxidation state of S = x.

Then PbS = (+2) + x = 0

x = −2

∴ The oxidation state of S in PbS is −2.