What is the correct formula unit for the ionic compound, stannous sulfide?

? SnS2
? SnS
? SnS4
? Sn2S
? Sn4S2

1 answer

The correct formula unit for the ionic compound stannous sulfide is SnS.

Stannous refers to tin with a +2 oxidation state (Sn²⁺), and sulfide refers to the sulfide ion with a -2 oxidation state (S²⁻). Thus, one Sn²⁺ ion combines with one S²⁻ ion to form the neutral compound SnS.