Question

In which of the following compound central atom has +4 oxidation state?

• A. \(SO_3\)
• B. \(H_2SO_3\)
• C. \(H_2S_2O_7\)
• D. \(BaSO_4\)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the compound with a central atom at the +4 oxidation state, the oxidation state of sulfur in each compound is calculated:

1. \(SO_3\):
   • Oxygen's oxidation state is -2.
   • Let sulfur's oxidation state be \(x\).
   • Equation: \(x + 3(-2) = 0\).
   • Solution: \(x - 6 = 0 \rightarrow x = +6\).
   • Sulfur's oxidation state in \(SO_3\) is +6.
2. \(H_2SO_3\):
   • Hydrogen's oxidation state is +1.
   • Let sulfur's oxidation state be \(x\).
   • Equation: \(2(+1) + x + 3(-2) = 0\).
   • Solution: \(2 + x - 6 = 0 \rightarrow x = +4\).
   • Sulfur's oxidation state in \(H_2SO_3\) is +4.
3. \(H_2S_2O_7\):
   • Oxygen: -2, Hydrogen: +1.
   • Let sulfur's oxidation state be \(x\).
   • Equation: \(2(+1) + 2x + 7(-2) = 0\).
   • Solution: \(2 + 2x - 14 = 0 \rightarrow 2x = +12 \rightarrow x = +6\).
   • Sulfur's oxidation state in \(H_2S_2O_7\) is +6.
4. \(BaSO_4\):
   • Barium (Ba) has a +2 oxidation state.
   • Let sulfur's oxidation state be \(x\).
   • Equation: \(+2 + x + 4(-2) = 0\).
   • Solution: \(2 + x - 8 = 0 \rightarrow x = +6\).
   • Sulfur's oxidation state in \(BaSO_4\) is +6.

The compound with sulfur at a +4 oxidation state is \(H_2SO_3\). Therefore, \(H_2SO_3\) is the correct answer.