What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in N2H4?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the oxidation state of nitrogen in the compound hydrazine (N2H4). To find the oxidation state, we need to consider the overall charge of the molecule and the typical oxidation states of hydrogen, which is +1. Since there are two nitrogen atoms, we can set up an equation to solve for their oxidation state.
Answer
-2
The oxidation state of nitrogen in N2H4 is -2.
Answer for screen readers
The oxidation state of nitrogen in N2H4 is -2.
More Information
In hydrazine (N2H4), nitrogen has an unusual oxidation state due to the molecule's unique structure. Normally, nitrogen has a positive oxidation state when bonded with hydrogen, but the structure here dictates a -2 state after balancing.
Tips
A common mistake is not balancing the entire molecule's oxidation state or assigning incorrect oxidation states to hydrogen.
Sources
- Determine the oxidation number of N in N2H4. | Homework.Study.com - homework.study.com
- What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in hydrazine, N2H4? - homework.study.com
- Oxidation number of N in N2H4.. - CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY - lavelle.chem.ucla.edu
