In which of the following compound central atom has +4 oxidation state?
Correct Answer :
H2SO3
Solution :
The correct answer is H2SO3.
To determine the oxidation state of the central sulfur atom () in sulfurous acid (), we use the standard oxidation state rules:
1. The oxidation state of Hydrogen () is generally when bonded to non-metals.
2. The oxidation state of Oxygen () is generally in most of its compounds.
3. The sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in a neutral compound must equal .
Let the oxidation state of the central sulfur atom () be represented by .
Setting up the equation for the neutral molecule :
Simplifying the expression:
Therefore, the oxidation state of the central sulfur atom in H2SO3 is indeed +4.
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