Determine the oxidation state of carbon in CO₂. A) +5 B) +3 C) 0 D) +2 E) +4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oxidation state of carbon in COS (carbon monoxide sulfide) can be determined by considering the typical oxidation states of oxygen and sulfur. Oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2, and sulfur in this compound can be assumed to have an oxidation state of -2 as well. Since the compound is neutral, the sum of the oxidation states must equal zero. If we let x be the oxidation state of carbon, then the equation is x + (-2) + (-2) = 0, solving for x gives x = +4.

Determine the Oxidation State of Carbon in CO2

Determine the Oxidation State of Carbon in CO₂