Question
What are the oxidation number of the underlined elements in each of the following and how do you rationalise your results?
Solution
C2H4O2: The oxidation number of C in the acetic acid is given as,
Let the oxidation number of carbon= x
oxidation number of H = +1
Oxidation number of O= (-2)
Thus,
The algebraic sum of all oxidation number gives,
2x+ 4(1) +2(-2)=0
2x+ 4-4=0
2x=0
x=0
However, 0 is average oxidation number of carbon. The two carbon atoms present in this molecules are present in different environments. Hence, they cannot have the same oxidation number. Thus, C exhibits the oxidation states of +2 and -2 in CH3COOH.
