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  4. Give reason for ''valency of oxygen is generally two, whereas sulphur shows valency of two, four and six.''

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Q. Give reason for
''valency of oxygen is generally two, whereas sulphur shows valency of two, four and six.''

IIT JEEIIT JEE 1988The p-Block Elements - Part2

Solution:

Oxygen lacks empty $d$-orbitals in its valence shell, cannot violate octet rule, hence in most of its compound it show only divalency. On the other hand, sulphur has vacant $3 d$-orbitals in its valence shell, can violate octet rule, show di, tetra and hexa valency.