Question

Identify the compound in which oxygen exists in the oxidized state?

• A. CO₂
• B. OF₂
• C. SO₂
• D. O₃

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

OF₂

Answer 2

For each compound, determine the oxidation state of oxygen:

• CO₂: Oxygen is -2.
• OF₂: Fluorine is more electronegative, so each F is -1. Thus, for OF₂: let oxygen be x, then x + 2(−1) = 0 ⟹ x = +2.
• SO₂: Oxygen is -2.
• O₃: It’s elemental oxygen, so oxidation state is 0.

Only in OF₂ does oxygen have a positive (oxidized) state.