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Answer 1 · 2014-11-17T23:43:57

Sulfur has 16 electrons which gives an electronic structure of :

#1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6)3s^(2)3p^(4)#

So you can see there are 6 electrons in the outer energy level which are available for chemical reactions.

It is better to think of oxidation states rather than valency.

The oxidation state , or number, is the charge on the atom if the compound was 100% ionic.

Sulfur can form compounds with oxidation states ranging from -2 to +6.

#S^(2-)# the sulfide ion which is -2

#S# the element which is zero

#SO_2# sulfur (IV) oxide which is +4

#SO_(4)^(2-)# sulfate(VI) which is +6.

(Note we use roman numerals to signify the oxidation state)

There are many more, but all within that range.