What is the oxidation state of carbon in CO3^2-?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the oxidation state of the carbon atom in the carbonate ion (CO3^2-). To solve this, we can use the rules for determining oxidation states, knowing that the total charge of the ion must equal -2.
Answer
+4
The oxidation state of carbon in CO3^2- is +4.
Answer for screen readers
The oxidation state of carbon in CO3^2- is +4.
More Information
The overall charge of the carbonate ion is -2. Oxygen has an oxidation state of -2, therefore with three oxygen atoms the total oxidation state from oxygen is -6. To balance this, the oxidation state of carbon must be +4.
Tips
A common mistake is forgetting to account for the total charge of the ion when calculating oxidation states.
Sources
- What is the oxidation number of carbon in the ion (Co3)2-? | Socratic - socratic.org
- Determine the oxidation number of carbon in CO32 | Homework Study - homework.study.com
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