What is the oxidation number of carbon in CO2?

2 Answers
Oct 25, 2015

#4+#

Explanation:

Since oxygen is in group 6 on the periodic table, its valency is #2-# and hence so is its oxidation number.
But there are 2 oxygen atoms for each carbon atom so the total negative charge due the oxygen is #4-#
But since a molecule must have a net charge of zero in the free form, it implies that the oxidation number of the carbon atom must then be #+4#

Oct 25, 2015

Two oxygens and one carbon; carbon clearly has #IV^+# oxidation state.

Explanation:

What is the oxidation state of carbon in methane, ethane, and carbon monoxide?