Question

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

Peroxodisulphuric acid

Answer 1

Peroxodisulphuric acid (H₂S₂O₈)

2 × (+1) + 2x + 6 × (−2) + 2 × (−1) = 0

2 + 2x − 12 − 2 = 0

2x − 12 = 0

⇒ 2x = 12

⇒ x = +6

Hence, the oxidation state of each ‘S’ in H₂S₂O₈ is +6.