Question
Compute the oxidation number of:
(i) Ni in |Ni(Fe(C2O4)3|
(ii) Fe in K3|Fe(C2O4)3|
Solution
(i) Let the oxidation number of Ni = x
Writing the oxidation number of each atom at the top of its symbol.
x 0
[Ni (CO)4]
The algebraic sum of the oxidation number of various atoms = 0
x + 4(0) = 0
x = 0
(ii) Let the oxidation number of Fe = x
Writing the oxidation number of each atom at the top of its symbol,
+1 x - 2
K3 [Fe(C2O4)3]
The algebraic sum of the oxidation number of various atoms = 0
3(+1) + x + 3(-2) = 0
3 + x - 6 = 0
