What is the oxidation state of the carbon atoms I and II in the following reaction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the given reaction, the carbon atom I is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, indicating that it is a part of a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group. The oxidation state of oxygen in a hydroxyl group is usually -2.

Let the oxidation state of carbon in the hydroxyl group be x. Then:
x + (-2) + (-1) = 0 (since the overall charge on the molecule is zero)
x = +3
Therefore, the oxidation state of carbon I is +3.

Now, let's consider carbon II. It is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and no other atom. In a molecule such as methane (CH4), carbon has an oxidation state of -4. We can use the same reasoning here.
Let the oxidation state of carbon II be y. Then:
y + (-1) + (-1) + (-1) = 0
y = +3
Therefore, the oxidation state of carbon II is +3.

Hence, the correct answer is C) I. +1, II. +3.

What Is the Oxidation State of the Carbon Atoms I