3 years ago

Unknown element X is a metal that ionically bonds to sulfur. Is the formula, X3S feasible? Why or why not?

2 answers:

5 0

No, it is not feasible. Three metallic ions cannot provide the exact number of electrons that one sulfur needs for the ionic bond

Aleks04 [339]3 years ago

5 0

Answer: No it is not feasible.

Explanation:

For formation of a neutral ionic compound, the charges on cation and anion must be balanced. The cation is formed by loss of electrons by metals and anions are formed by gain of electrons by non metals.

Here the non metal is sulfur having an oxidation state of -2 and thus the formula of an ionic compound containing sulfur can never be $X_3S$ as the neutral compound is formed by exchange of oxidation states. Thus the subscript of X has to be 2.