Why valency of sulfur is 2 4 and 6?

Answer 1

Actually it is about the orbitals of valence shells of sulphur. Sulphur has atomic no. 16 and electronic configuration 1s2,2s2,2p6,3s2,3p4. Its outer most shell has s.p.d and f orbitals from which s and p have electrons and d and f are vacant.

When 2 electrons from p are transferred to d, the valency becomes +2.

When two more electrons from p are transfered to d, the valency becomes +4.

When two left electrons from s are transferred to d, the valency becomes +6.

Answer 2

The valency of sulfur can be 2, 4, or 6 depending on the compound it is involved in. Sulfur typically forms covalent compounds with a valency of 2 when it gains 2 electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. In some cases, sulfur can expand its valence shell and have a valency of 4 or 6 by utilizing d-orbitals to accommodate more than 8 electrons, leading to the formation of compounds like sulfur dioxide (valency of 4) and sulfur hexafluoride (valency of 6).