Thiosulphate reacts differently with iodine and bromine in the reactions given below:

Which of the following statement justifies the above dual behaviour of thiosulphate?

Question

Thiosulphate reacts differently with iodine and bromine in the reactions given below:

Which of the following statement justifies the above dual behaviour of thiosulphate?

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Analyse the oxidation of S in each reaction:

With :
- S in : average OS = 
- S in  (tetrathionate): average OS = 
- Change:  → mild oxidation (only partial oxidation of S)

With :
- S in : average OS = 
- S in : OS = 
- Change:  → complete oxidation to sulphate

Step 2 — Interpret the difference:

is a stronger oxidising agent than . It can oxidise thiosulphate completely to sulphate (), while the weaker oxidant  can only partially oxidise it to tetrathionate ().

Step 3 — Evaluate op

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