What is the oxidation charge of the cobalt ion in the compound Co2S3?

Question

Responses

-3
-3

+2
+2

-2
-2

+3

Answer 1

To determine the oxidation charge of the cobalt ion in the compound Co₂S₃, we can analyze the charges of the ions involved.

1. Sulfide Ion (S²⁻): Each sulfide ion has an oxidation state of -2. In Co₂S₃, there are three sulfide ions, so the total contribution from sulfur is: \[ 3 \times (-2) = -6 \]

2. Cobalt Ion (Co): Let the oxidation state of cobalt be \( x \). Since there are two cobalt ions, the total contribution from cobalt is \( 2x \).

3. Charge Balance: The compound is neutral, so the sum of the oxidation states must equal zero: \[ 2x + (-6) = 0 \] Simplifying this gives: \[ 2x = 6 \ x = +3 \]

Thus, the oxidation charge of the cobalt ion in Co₂S₃ is +3.