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NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3pt178

The maximum oxidation state shown by sulfur in its compounds is

A $+ 2$
B $+ 4$
C $+ 6$
D $+ 8$

Answer: C

Sulfur has six valence electrons (

3 s^{2} 3 p^{4}

), so the maximum oxidation state equals the group valence,

+ 6

, as in

SO X_{3}

and

H X_{2} SO X_{4}

. It cannot reach

+ 8

because only six electrons are available.

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