1.

The valency of carbon is two where as sulphur shows valency of two, four and six. Why?

Answer»

Sulfur has 16 electrons which gives an electronic structure of :

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4

So you can see there are 6 electrons in the outer energy level which are available for chemical reactions.

It is better to think of oxidation states rather than valency.

The oxidation state , or number, is the charge on the atom if the compound was 100% ionic.

Sulfur can formcompoundswith oxidation states ranging from -2 to +6.

S2−the sulfide ion which is -2

Sthe element which is zero

SO2sulfur (IV) oxide which is +4

SO2−4sulfate(VI) which is +6.

Note we use roman numerals to signify the oxidation state

There are many more, but all within that range.

this is because of presence of dorbital in Sulphur.In Sulphur the excitation of np-electrons to nd-subshell gives rise to increase in number of unpaired Electrons



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