Question

Oxygen cannot exhibit +4,+6 oxidation states where as sulphur can

Answer 1

Sulfur has 3d orbitals available; Oxygen does not. The 3d orbitals in sulfur allow for more unpaired electrons to be established in the excited state.

4 unpaired electrons would allow +4 oxidation state.

If all of the valence electrons become unpaired, that giving a +6 oxidation state.

Answer 2

Chemical Properties of Sulphur. Sulphur exhibits oxidation numbers of -2, 0, +2, +4 and +6. Oxidation number -2 is seen in the sulphide ion, S--, and a typical compound is H2S, hydrogen sulphide or hydrosulphuric acid.