Question:
What is the oxidation number of carbon in oxalic acid ?
What is the oxidation number of carbon in oxalic acid ?
Show Hint
Oxalic acid is H2C2O4. Set the sum of all oxidation numbers to zero and solve for carbon.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
- \(+2\)
- \(+3\)
- \(+4\)
- \(+6\)
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The oxidation number of an atom in a neutral compound is found by making the sum of all oxidation numbers equal to zero. Hydrogen is +1 and oxygen is -2 here.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Oxalic acid is \(\text{H}_2\text{C}_2\text{O}_4\), that is \(\text{HOOC-COOH}\). Let the oxidation number of C be \(x\).
\[ 2(+1) + 2x + 4(-2) = 0 \]
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
\[ 2 + 2x - 8 = 0 \]
\[ 2x = 6 \]
\[ x = +3 \]
Each carbon is bonded to two oxygens (one double bond and one single bond), so both carbons have the same state, +3.
Option (A) +2 is carbon in carbon monoxide, option (C) +4 is carbon in \(\text{CO}_2\), and option (D) +6 is not possible for carbon since it has only four valence electrons.
Final Answer:
The oxidation number of carbon in oxalic acid is +3, option (B). \[ \boxed{+3 \text{ (B)}} \]
The oxidation number of an atom in a neutral compound is found by making the sum of all oxidation numbers equal to zero. Hydrogen is +1 and oxygen is -2 here.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Oxalic acid is \(\text{H}_2\text{C}_2\text{O}_4\), that is \(\text{HOOC-COOH}\). Let the oxidation number of C be \(x\).
\[ 2(+1) + 2x + 4(-2) = 0 \]
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
\[ 2 + 2x - 8 = 0 \]
\[ 2x = 6 \]
\[ x = +3 \]
Each carbon is bonded to two oxygens (one double bond and one single bond), so both carbons have the same state, +3.
Option (A) +2 is carbon in carbon monoxide, option (C) +4 is carbon in \(\text{CO}_2\), and option (D) +6 is not possible for carbon since it has only four valence electrons.
Final Answer:
The oxidation number of carbon in oxalic acid is +3, option (B). \[ \boxed{+3 \text{ (B)}} \]
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