Concept:
In tetrathionate ion \((\text{S}_4\text{O}_6^{2-})\), oxidation states depend on bonding:
- Sulphur bonded to oxygen â higher oxidation state
- Sulphur bonded only to sulphur â lower oxidation state
Step 1: Identify terminal sulphur atoms (1 and 4).
These sulphur atoms are bonded to oxygen atoms.
Each has oxidation state:
\[
+5
\]
Step 2: Identify middle sulphur atoms (2 and 3).
These sulphur atoms are bonded only to sulphur atoms.
Thus their oxidation state:
\[
0
\]
Step 3: Conclusion.
\[
(+5, 0, 0, +5)
\]