Here's why:
* Sulfur (S) typically forms compounds with an oxidation state of +2, +4, or +6.
* Oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2.
To balance the charges, a compound with sulfur in a +6 oxidation state would require 4 oxygen atoms. However, this would result in sulfur trioxide (SO₃), not sulfur tetroxide.
Sulfur tetroxide (SO₄) is a theoretical compound that is not stable under normal conditions.
