Question

What is the oxidation number of carbon is $C_{3}O_{2}$ (carbon suboxide)?

• A.
  • 4/3
• B. +10/4
• C. +2
• D. +2/3

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

• 4/3

Answer 2

: $O = = \overset{+ 2}{C} = = \overset{0}{C} = = \overset{+ 2}{C} = = O$

In $C_{3}O_{2,}$two C atoms linked with oxygen atoms are present in +2 oxidation state and central carbon has zero oxidation state. So, the average oxidation state of C is + 4/3.