Question
What are the oxidation number of the underlined elements in each of the following and how do you rationalise your results?
Solution
C2H6O: The oxidation number of carbon in the ethanol can be given as,
Let the oxidation number of C= x
oxidation number of H= +1
Oxidation number of O= (-2)
Thus by adding the all oxidation number we get,
2x +6(1)+(-2)=0
2x+4=0
2x=-4
x=-2
The oxidation number of carbon is -2.
oxidation number of H= +1
Oxidation number of O= (-2)
Thus by adding the all oxidation number we get,
2x +6(1)+(-2)=0
2x+4=0
2x=-4
x=-2
The oxidation number of carbon is -2.
