Which of the following has(have) a higher oxidation state of carbon than the carbon in formaldehyde, $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}=\mathrm{O}$ ?
I. $\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}$
II. $\mathrm{HCO}_{2} \mathrm{H}$
III. $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In formaldehyde ($\mathrm{H}_{2}C=O$), carbon has an oxidation state of +2. In $\mathrm{CH}_{3}OH$, carbon's oxidation state is -2, which is lower. In $\mathrm{HCO}_{2}H$ (formic acid), carbon's oxidation state is +2, and in $\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3}$ (carbonic acid), it is +4. Therefore, both formic acid and carbonic acid have carbon in a higher oxidation state than in formaldehyde.

Which of the Following Has(have) a Higher Oxidation State of Carbon