What is the oxidation state of each individual carbon atom in C2O4^(-2)?

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Answer 1 · 2015-11-06T08:29:43

Both are +3

The oxygen all have a -2 oxidation state. (peroxides are exceptions)

The chemical structure is symmetrical. Both carbon are equivalent.

2 (oxidation state of carbon) + 4 (oxidation state of oxygen) = charge of ion.

2 (oxidation state of carbon) + 4 (-2) = -2

oxidation state of carbon = +3

Answer 2 · 2015-11-06T08:33:42

#+3#

The oxidation number of carbon atoms in #C_2O_4^(2-)# is the same for both atoms, it can be calculated as follows:

The oxidation number of oxygen is #-2#, therefore, assuming that the oxidation number of #C# is #x#, then: #2x+4xx(-2)=-2 => 2x=+6 =>x=+3#

Therefore, the oxidation number of the carbon atom is #+3#.

Note that, the oxidation number of Oxygen is always #-2# except in #H_2O_2# is #-1# and in #OF_2# is #+2#.