What is the hybrid state and oxidation state of sulphur in Caro's acid ?

Options

A. `sp^2,+10`
B. `sp^3,+10`
C. `sp^3,+6`
D. `sp^2,+6`

Answer

To determine the hybrid state and oxidation state of sulfur in Caro's acid (peroxymonosulfuric acid), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Structure of Caro's Acid
Caro's acid is known as peroxymonosulfuric acid, with the chemical formula H2SO5. The structure includes sulfur (S) bonded to multiple oxygen (O) atoms.

### Step 2: Analyze the Bonds
In the structure of Caro's acid:
- Sulfur is double-bonded to two oxygen atoms.
- Sulfur is also bonded to two other oxygen atoms through single bonds, which are part of the peroxide linkage (O-O).

### Step 3: Assign Oxidation States
To find the oxidation state of sulfur:
1. Each double-bonded oxygen contributes an oxidation state of -2.
2. Each single-bonded oxygen in the peroxide contributes an oxidation state of -1.

Calculating the oxidation state:
- For the two double-bonded oxygens: 2 × (-2) = -4
- For the two single-bonded oxygens: 2 × (-1) = -2
- Let the oxidation state of sulfur be \( x \).

The overall charge of the molecule is neutral, so we can set up the equation:
\[ x + (-4) + (-2) = 0 \]
\[ x - 6 = 0 \]
\[ x = +6 \]

Thus, the oxidation state of sulfur in Caro's acid is +6.

### Step 4: Determine Hybridization
To find the hybridization of sulfur:
1. Count the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs around the sulfur atom.
2. Sulfur forms:
- 2 double bonds (each contributes 1 sigma bond)
- 2 single bonds (each contributes 1 sigma bond)

Total sigma bonds = 2 (from double bonds) + 2 (from single bonds) = 4 sigma bonds.

Since there are no lone pairs on sulfur in this structure, the steric number (number of sigma bonds + lone pairs) is 4.

### Step 5: Identify Hybridization Type
A steric number of 4 corresponds to sp³ hybridization.

### Final Answer
- **Oxidation State of Sulfur**: +6
- **Hybrid State of Sulfur**: sp³