The question arises from trying to get where does the values of [itex]-2[/itex], [itex]0[/itex], [itex]+2[/itex], [itex]+4[/itex] and [itex]+6[/itex] from the electron configuration.
The electron configuration for sulphur [itex](Z=16)[/itex] is [itex][Ne]3s^23p^4[/itex].
It makes sense that to complete the octet sulphur needs to gain two electrons hence it will have [itex]-2[/itex], but it can lose all the electrons [itex]2+4=+6[/itex]. But I have no idea what sort of explanation can be made for obtaining the other values?. Does it exist a rule or something that am I unware of?.