What is the oxidation state of C in #K_2CO_3#?

1 Answer
anor277
Oct 10, 2016

Carbon clearly has an oxidation state of #+IV# in carbonate dianion.

Explanation:

The sum of the oxidation numbers always gives the charge on the ion. Carbonate anion is #CO_3^(2-)#. Now oxygen generally has an oxidation number of #-2#, and it does here.

Thus #-2=C^"ON"-2-2-2#

So, clearly #C^"ON"=+IV#.

What is the oxidation number of carbon in oxalate dianion, #""^(-)O_2C-CO_2^-#?

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