Question
Question: What is the formula of sodium dithiosulphatoargentate (I)? A. \(N{a_3}\left[ {Ag{{\left( {{S_2}{O_...
What is the formula of sodium dithiosulphatoargentate (I)?
A. Na3[Ag(S2O2)2]
B. Na[Ag(S2O4)2]
C. Na[Ag(S2O3)2]
D. Na3[Ag(S2O3)2]
Solution
Argentate (I) is a silver (Ag) ion with +1 charge. Sodium ion is a cation with +1 charge. Dithiosulphate indicates presence of two thiosulphate ions. The charge of each thiosulphate ion is -2. Use this information to derive the formula of dithiosulphatoargentate.
Complete step by step answer:
We are given to derive the formula of sodium dithiosulphatoargentate (I).
Thiosulphate ion is an oxyanion of sulphur. Its formula is S2O32−. Each thiosulphate in will have a negative charge of -2.
So in sodium dithiosulphatoargentate (I), Dithiosulphate represents the presence of two thiosulphate ions so the resulting charge will be 2×−2=−4
Dithiosulphatoargentate (I) represents that silver with oxidation number +1 bond with two thiosulphate ions, therefore the resulting oxidation number (charge) will be −4+1=−3
So to balance this negative charge of -3, we need three sodium ions with each sodium ion having +1 positive charge, as the name sodium dithiosulphatoargentate have sodium in it.
So there will be 3 sodium ions, two thiosulphate ions and one silver ion in the formula of sodium dithiosulphatoargentate.
The formula which matches all the above criteria is Na3[Ag(S2O3)2].
Therefore, the correct option is Option D, Na3[Ag(S2O3)2].
Note:
We have taken the valency of Silver ion as +1 as per the question, but the silver can exhibit both +1, +2 valencies (monovalent and divalent). So read the question carefully before attempting. Do not confuse between sulphate ion and thiosulphate ion, sulphate ion has one sulphur atom and 4 oxygen atoms whereas thiosulphate ion has two sulphur atoms and three oxygen atoms.