What is the oxidation number of carbon in carbon monoxide?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the oxidation number of carbon (C) in carbon monoxide (CO). To determine this, we need to consider the bonding and valence electrons in the compound.
Answer
+2
The oxidation number of carbon in carbon monoxide (CO) is +2.
Answer for screen readers
The oxidation number of carbon in carbon monoxide (CO) is +2.
More Information
In CO, carbon has an oxidation number of +2 since the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral molecule must be zero.
Tips
A common mistake is not properly assigning the electronegativity to different atoms when calculating the oxidation state. Always remember that oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2 in compounds.
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