Question

I learned that NaHSO₃ reacts with S₂Cl₂ to give Na₂S₄O₆ as product. After looking up the structure of Na₂S₄O₆, it confuses me that four sulfur atoms connect together. I couldn't figure out the exact mechanism for this reaction.

Answer 1

NaHSO₃ reacts with S₂Cl₂ to form Na₂S₄O₆ through complex redox chemistry, which is distinct from the simple ionic bonding predicted when combining Na+ and S²- to form Na₂S.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction between NaHSO₃ and S₂Cl₂ to form Na₂S₄O₆ involves a series of redox and complexation steps where sulfur atoms from both reactants end up forming a chain of four sulfur atoms in the final product. This process showcases the versatile nature of sulfur chemistry, as sulfur can exhibit various oxidation states and form diverse types of compounds, including those with multiple sulfur-sulfur bonds.

The reaction can be difficult to understand because it requires a deep knowledge of sulfur chemistry and may involve intermediate species that rearrange to produce the final tetrasulfur product. In this case, the sodium cation, Na+, and the sulfide anion, S²-, are not directly involved in forming the S-S bonds; instead, they are part of other ionic compounds that exhibit simpler ionic bonding, like the predicted Na₂S from the combination of Na+ and S²- ions.