What is the oxidation number of nitrogen in Cu(No3)2?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 30, 2018

We gots #N(V+)#....

Explanation:

The sum of the oxidation number equals the charge on the molecule. And oxidation numbers are assigned by distributing electrons from each bond and assuming the more electronegative atom gets the electrons. For #Cu(NO_3)_2# we gots #Cu^(2+)#, i.e. #Cu(+II)#, and #2xxNO_3^(-)#..and for nitrate anion, the oxidation number of oxygen is #-II#, and thus #3xx-II+V=-I# as required? Note that nitrogen is MORE electronegative than most other atoms, but not oxygen or fluorine.

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