Question

What is the oxidation state of S in so ??​

Answer 1

Answer:

+2

Explanation:

If a compound $SO$ existed, we would identify the oxidation state of sulfur using the following logic:

• oxygen is more electronegative than sulfur, so it's more electron-withdrawing and it should have a negative oxidation state producing a positive oxidation state for sulfur;
• oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2;
• we may then apply the fact that SO is expected to be a molecule with a net charge of 0;
• if the net charge is 0 and the oxidation state of oxygen is -2, we may set the oxidation state of S to x;
• write the equation for the net charge of 0 by adding all individual charges of the two atoms: $x + (-2) = 0$;
• hence, x = 2.

That said, in this hypothetical compound S would have an oxidation state of +2.