why oxidation states of suphur atoms of Disuphur-monoxide is +2 and 0?

Asked Apr 04 '17 at 14:29

Active Apr 08 '17 at 21:34

Viewed 109 times

I) According to my logic, sulfur-sulfur linkage (linkage between same atoms) result in no charge separation.So, the oxidation number of the sulfur atom linked to only sulfur should be 0(zero) and other sulfur being +4 as it is connected to 3(more electronegative) oxygen atoms.

Thus, the oxidation number of sulfur atoms should be +4,0.

II)However, Using X-ray absorption to probe sulfur oxidation states in complex molecules claims that oxidation states are +6 and -2.

III)Again,Determination of Changes in Sulfur Oxidation States in Prostate Cancer Cells proved that that oxidation states are +5,-1.

These three sets of results left thoroughly confused.Which one of them is correct and why?

Following the same sequence of logic: My counter-question for the claims (I) and (II) is "Why the oxidation number of sulfur atoms of Disulfur monoxide is [ +2 and 0 ] instead of [+4 and -2] or [+3 and -1] ?"

edited Apr 08 '17 at 21:34

Melanie Shebel

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asked Apr 04 '17 at 14:29

Swastik

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Related: Oxidation states of the sulfur atoms in the thiosulfate ion – orthocresol Apr 04 '17 at 14:33
orthocresol .Sir, I went to the link you have sent me but it doesn't answer my question and specifically my counter question . What is the absolute answer of the oxidation states of sulphur? – Swastik Apr 04 '17 at 14:35
Is it +6 and -2 or +5 and -1? – Swastik Apr 04 '17 at 14:38
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There is no absolute answer. Oxidation states are human invention and not facts of nature. – Ivan Neretin Apr 04 '17 at 14:50
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Couldn't you just treat terminal S as non-innocent ligand and give us a break? – Mithoron Apr 04 '17 at 14:58
Ivan Neretin. Sir , I know chemistry is a subject based on more or less hypothetical things such as electrons which nobody has seen but has great deal to be talked about. Can you please help me out from the dilemma of oxidation states? – Swastik Apr 04 '17 at 15:01
Milthoron. Sir can you please explain in detail. – Swastik Apr 04 '17 at 15:03

why oxidation states of suphur atoms of Disuphur-monoxide is +2 and 0?

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