Chapter 17, Problem 45E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The oxidation number of sulfur in sodium tetrathionate, ${\text{Na}}_{\text{2}}{\text{S}}_{\text{4}}{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}$ is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

A species gains or loses electrons to form anions or cations respectively. A gain in electron is classified as a reduction reaction and loss of electron is classified as an oxidation reaction. The oxidation number is allocated to maintain track of an electron's loss or gain.