What is the formula for nickel (III) sulfide
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Nickel(III) sulfide has the chemical formula Ni2S3.
Explanation:
To understand how this formula is derived, we need to consider the oxidation state of nickel in this compound and how it interacts with sulfur.
- Nickel’s Oxidation States:
Nickel is a transition metal, and like many transition metals, it can exist in multiple oxidation states. The most common oxidation states of nickel are +2 (Nickel(II)) and +3 (Nickel(III)). In Nickel(III) sulfide, nickel is in the +3 oxidation state. - Sulfur’s Oxidation State:
Sulfur generally has an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds, including sulfides. This is because sulfur tends to gain two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, similar to the noble gases. - Balancing Charges:
In Nickel(III) sulfide, the nickel ions are in the +3 oxidation state. For every nickel ion, the total charge is +3. To balance this positive charge with the negative charge from sulfur, we need to determine how many sulfur ions are required. Since each sulfur ion has a charge of -2, we need enough sulfurs to balance out the total positive charge from the nickel ions. If we have two nickel ions (each with a +3 charge), the total positive charge from the nickel ions is +6. To balance this, we need three sulfur ions, each contributing a -2 charge. The total negative charge from three sulfur ions is -6. Therefore, the formula of the compound is Ni2S3, with the charges of the nickel and sulfur ions balanced. - Chemical Formula:
The chemical formula is written as Ni2S3, reflecting the stoichiometry of the compound, with two nickel ions for every three sulfur ions.
In summary, Nickel(III) sulfide has the formula Ni2S3, where nickel is in the +3 oxidation state, and sulfur is in the -2 oxidation state. This balance of charges results in a neutral compound.
