Find Oxidation State of S in S2O32- Reducing Cl2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the oxidation state of sulfur in the S2O32- ions after they reduce Cl2 molecules. The context includes a homework problem involving redox reactions and electron transfer, focusing on the stoichiometry and oxidation states of the involved species.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the oxidation state of sulfur in S2O32- is +2 and mentions that 8 electrons are released by the S2O32- ions during the reduction of Cl2.
  • Another participant suggests writing an electronic balance and emphasizes the conservation of chlorine atoms in the reaction, questioning the oxidation state of chlorine in the resulting compound.
  • A later reply reiterates the need for an electronic balance and expresses confusion about how to determine the number of electrons released by S2O32- based on the given information.
  • One participant advises starting with the chlorine, noting that 8 pieces of chlorine transition from an oxidation state of 0 to -1, prompting a question about how many electrons are captured in this process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the calculation of electron transfer and oxidation states, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple viewpoints on how to approach the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the information provided, particularly regarding the assumptions made about electron transfer and the specifics of the resulting compounds. The discussion does not clarify the complete reaction or the final products.

Michael_Light
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Homework Statement



One mole of aqueous S2O32- ions reduces four moles of Cl2 molecules. What is the oxidation state of the sulphur containing product of this reaction?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



oxidation state in S2O32- = +2

since 4moles of Cl2 are reduced, 8 electrons are released by S2O32- ions.

these are all information i can get, but i have no ideas how to proceed, please help me..
 
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Write down the electronic balance and use the fact that the total nr of chlorine atoms should be conserved.

S_{2}O_{3}^{2-} + 4 Cl_2-----> ...

What's the oxydation state of chlorine in the resulting compound ? How many electrons are changes for all 8 ions ?
 
dextercioby said:
Write down the electronic balance and use the fact that the total nr of chlorine atoms should be conserved.

S_{2}O_{3}^{2-} + 4 Cl_2-----> ...

What's the oxydation state of chlorine in the resulting compound ? How many electrons are changes for all 8 ions ?

Thanks.. but i still don't understand..

I know that number of e- received by chlorine = number of e- released by S2O32-

but the problem is how i find the number of e- released by S2O32- from the information given?

Please guide me..:confused:
 
You should start with the chlorine. You know that 8 <pieces> of chlorine go from oxydation state 0 to oxydation state -1. How many electrons are captured ?
 

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