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Thiosulfate shows different reactions with iodine and bromine, as represented below: 2S2O3²− + I2 → S4O6²− + 2I− S2O3²− + 2Br2 + 5H2O → 2SO4²− + 2Br− + 10H+ Which statement best explains this contrasting behaviour of thiosulfate?

1. Bromine has greater oxidising power than iodine
2. Bromine has lower oxidising power than iodine
3. Thiosulfate is oxidised by bromine and reduced by iodine in these reactions
4. Bromine is oxidised and iodine is reduced in these reactions

Correct answer: Bromine has greater oxidising power than iodine

Solution

Bromine's greater oxidizing power compared to iodine allows it to react more vigorously with thiosulfate, leading to different reaction products. This difference in oxidizing strength explains why thiosulfate behaves differently in reactions with these two halogens.

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