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What is the oxidation state of sulfur in SO3?

User NMunro
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The oxidation state of a substance is the electric charge it is exhibiting in a given state. This may be determined by looking at the oxidation states of accompanying atoms as well as the charge on the complete molecule.

In this case:

Molecular charge: 0
Oxidation state of oxygen: -2 (it is a group 6 element)

Thus,

S + 3 * -2 = 0
S = 6

Sulfur is exhibiting an oxidation state of +6.
User Kristian Zondervan
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