What is the oxidation number of HSO4?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking for the oxidation number of the sulfate ion (HSO4). To determine this, we need to consider the usual oxidation states of the constituent elements (hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen) and how they combine in this ion.

More Information

To determine the oxidation number of sulfur in HSO4-, we use the known oxidation states: H is +1, and O is -2. The sum of oxidation states must equal the net charge of the ion, which is -1. Therefore, +1 + x + 4(-2) = -1, solving for x gives x = +6.

Tips

A common mistake is to forget the overall charge of the ion when summing the oxidation states.

Sources

• Oxidation state of S in [HSO4] is - BYJU'S - byjus.com
• What is the oxidation number of sulfur in an HSO4- ion? - Socratic - socratic.org
• oxidation numbers - CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY - lavelle.chem.ucla.edu