What is the true formal oxidation state of the sulphur atom in Caro's Acid (), and why? — p Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
What is the true formal oxidation state of the sulphur atom in Caro's Acid ($H_2SO_5$), and why?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
Calculating the OS directly gives +8, which is impossible as sulphur has only 6 valence electrons. Caro's acid contains one peroxy linkage where two oxygens are in the -1 state. Adjusting for this, the true maximum oxidation state of sulphur remains +6.
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