Question

What are the oxidation states for each compound in Mn(HSO3)2?

a) Mn: +2, H: +1, S: +4, O: -2
b) Mn: +2, H: -1, S: +3, O: -2
c) Mn: +3, H: +1, S: -2, O: -2
d) Mn: +4, H: +2, S: -2, O: -1

Answer 1

The oxidation states for the compounds in Mn(HSO3)2 are Mn:+2, H:+1, S:+5, O:-2.

Step-by-step explanation:

(a) According to guideline 3, the oxidation number for H is +1.
Using this oxidation number and the compound's formula, guideline 4 may then be used to calculate the oxidation number for sulfur:

(2 x H) + (2 x S) + (6 x O) = 0

2 + 2x + 6(-2) = 0
2 + 2x - 12 = 0

2x - 10 = 0
2x = 10

x = 5

Therefore, the oxidation state of sulfur in Mn(HSO3)2 is +5.

(b) According to guideline 3, the oxidation number for Mn is +2.
Using this oxidation number and the compound's formula, guideline 4 may then be used to calculate the oxidation number for hydrogen:

2 x (1) + (2 x O) = 0
2 + 2x - 4 = 0
2x - 2 = 0
2x = 2
x = 1

Therefore, the oxidation state of hydrogen in Mn(HSO3)2 is +1.

(c) According to guideline 3, the oxidation number for S is +4.
Using this oxidation number and the compound's formula, guideline 4 may then be used to calculate the oxidation number for O:

2 x Mn + 2 x (1) + 2x + (2 x O) = 0
2x + 2 - 2 - 4 = 0
2x - 4 = 0
2x = 4
x = 2

Therefore, the oxidation state of oxygen in Mn(HSO3)2 is -2.

Based on these calculations, the correct oxidation states of each compound in Mn(HSO3)2 are:

Mn: +2, H: +1, S: +5, O: -2.