Sulfur can exist in several oxidation states (most commonly +6, +4, +2 and –2). Calculating oxidation states is a key part of the A-level specifications and this article contains worked problems to help you practise these calculations. Sulfur compounds play important roles in living systems and in the atmosphere; they may even have an effect on the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth.
It is important to understand the chemistry of the environment around us and how human activities affect it. Since the Industrial Revolution, the amount of sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds emitted into the atmosphere has drastically increased, resulting in acid rain, which can have a devastating effect on ecosystems. It is therefore vital for us to have an understanding of the effect compounds released into the atmosphere have, whether it is a result of human or natural activity.
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