First of all, your answer would be wrong because the sum of oxidation numbers should be zero in this case. As this compound is neutral and isn't an ion, if you add up all the oxidation numbers, it should be zero. However, for your initial answer, the sum would be 1×2 + 1×6 + -2×2 = 4.
I would approach this question like this:
Firstly, as the compound has a disulphide bridge (which is shown in the question as s—s), the oxidation number of sulphur would be -1. This is similar to oxygen's oxidation number being -1 in peroxides (H2O2).
Hydrogen's oxidation number would be +1 like your answer.
Afterwards, as I mentioned before, the sum of oxidation number should be zero. Let's say the oxidation number of carbon is x. If we set an equation, 2x + 6×1 + 2×-1 = 0. Hence, x = -2.
Therefore, oxidation number of sulphur would be -1, hydrogen would be +1, and carbon would be -2.
Hi, thank you for your question.
First of all, your answer would be wrong because the sum of oxidation numbers should be zero in this case. As this compound is neutral and isn't an ion, if you add up all the oxidation numbers, it should be zero. However, for your initial answer, the sum would be 1×2 + 1×6 + -2×2 = 4.
I would approach this question like this:
Firstly, as the compound has a disulphide bridge (which is shown in the question as s—s), the oxidation number of sulphur would be -1. This is similar to oxygen's oxidation number being -1 in peroxides (H2O2).
Hydrogen's oxidation number would be +1 like your answer.
Afterwards, as I mentioned before, the sum of oxidation number should be zero. Let's say the oxidation number of carbon is x. If we set an equation, 2x + 6×1 + 2×-1 = 0. Hence, x = -2.
Therefore, oxidation number of sulphur would be -1, hydrogen would be +1, and carbon would be -2.
Does this answer your question?