Chapter 27: Problem 12
In an iodine-thiosulfate titration, thiosulfate is oxidized to tetrathionate \(\left(\mathrm{S}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{6}^{2-}\right) .\) What are the average oxidation states of sulfur in thiosulfate and tetrathionate? (Section 27.6 )
Short Answer
Expert verified
Average oxidation states: Sulfur in thiosulfate is +2; in tetrathionate is +2.5.
Step by step solution
01
Understand Oxidation States
The oxidation state is the hypothetical charge an atom would have if all bonds to atoms of different elements were 100% ionic. We calculate it based on known rules for oxidation states.
02
Determine the Oxidation State in Thiosulfate
Thiosulfate is given by \[\mathrm{S}_{2}\mathrm{O}_3^{2-}.\] Since oxygen has an oxidation state of \(-2\) and there are three oxygens, the total contribution from oxygen is \(-6\). The overall charge of the ion is \(-2\), so the sum of the oxidation states of the sulfurs plus \(-6\) must equal \(-2\). Let the oxidation state of sulfur be \(x\). Thus, we have: \[2x - 6 = -2.\]Solving for \(x\), we find that \(2x = 4\) which gives \(x = +2.\) Therefore, the average oxidation state of sulfur in thiosulfate is \(+2\).
03
Determine the Oxidation State in Tetrathionate
Tetrathionate is given by \[\mathrm{S}_{4}\mathrm{O}_6^{2-}.\]Following the same method, oxygen contributes \(-12\) because its oxidation state is \(-2\) and there are six oxygens. The overall charge of the ion is \(-2\), so the sum of the oxidation states of the sulfurs plus \(-12\) must equal \(-2\). We set up the equation: \[4x - 12 = -2.\]Solving for \(x\), we have that \(4x = 10\), which gives \(x = +2.5\). Therefore, the average oxidation state of sulfur in tetrathionate is \(+2.5\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Iodine-Thiosulfate Titration
Iodine-thiosulfate titration is a common redox titration method used in chemistry. Thiosulfate ions are oxidized by iodine, allowing us to analyze the concentration of a solution. What’s fascinating about this titration is its use of a starch indicator, which produces a deep blue color when iodine is present.
- The titration involves the reaction between iodide, which turns to iodine, and thiosulfate ions.
- As thiosulfate is added, it reacts with iodine, turning it into iodide.
- The process continues until all iodine is consumed, indicated by the disappearance of the blue color.
Thiosulfate Ion
The thiosulfate ion (\[\text{S}_2\text{O}_3^{2-}\]) is an important sulfur-containing species encountered in redox chemistry. It's especially known for its role in iodine-thiosulfate titration. In this ion:
- Two sulfur atoms are bonded, with one sulfur atom being part of a sulfate group and the other bonded to the first sulfur atom directly.
- The ion provides two negative charges, which affects its interactions with other species.
- In the titration process, thiosulfate acts as a reducing agent.
Tetrathionate Ion
The tetrathionate ion (\[\text{S}_4\text{O}_6^{2-}\]) is formed in the iodine-thiosulfate titration as thiosulfate ions are oxidized. Key points:
- This ion contains four sulfur atoms and six oxygen atoms.
- The tetrathionate ion carries a (\[-2\]) charge, similar to thiosulfate, but its structure is more complex.
- Each of the sulfur atoms connects through multiple bonds in a complex arrangement.
Average Oxidation State
The average oxidation state is a critical concept in understanding reactions like the iodine-thiosulfate titration. It offers a simplified view of the oxidation level of elements in a compound or ion.
- This is especially useful when dealing with polyatomic ions containing the same element, such as sulfur in thiosulfate or tetrathionate.
- The calculation involves setting up an equation based on the total charges contributed by all atoms in the molecule.
- By solving equations, like those in the original exercise, we can determine that the average oxidation state is (\[+2\]) for sulfur in thiosulfate and (\[+2.5\]) for sulfur in tetrathionate.