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Disproportionate species in sulphur Latimer diagram
Accepted Answer
A disproportionation reaction occurs when a species is simultaneously oxidized and reduced. In a Latimer diagram for sulfur, a disproportionation reaction is possible if a species has a higher oxidation state than the species to its left and a lower oxidation state than the species to its right. For example, in the Latimer diagram for sulfur in acidic solution:
SO₄²⁻ (+2.01 V) → HSO₃⁻ (+0.17 V) → S (+0.50 V) → H₂S (-0.14 V)
The species HSO₃⁻ has a higher oxidation state than S and a lower oxidation state than SO₄²⁻. Therefore, HSO₃⁻ can disproportionate to form SO₄²⁻ and S.
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