Description
how can i determine the oxidation number of elements in a compound?
Explanation & Answer
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Counting the number of electrons transferred is an inefficient and time-consuming way of determining oxidation states.These rules provide a simpler method:
- The oxidation state of an uncombined element is zero. This applies regardless of the structure of the element: Xe, Cl2, S8, and large structures of carbon or silicon each have an oxidation state of zero.
- The sum of the oxidation states of all the atoms or ions in a neutral compound is zero.
- The sum of the oxidation states of all the atoms in an ion is equal to the charge on the ion.
- The more electronegative element in a substance is assigned a negative oxidation state. The less electronegative element is assigned a positive oxidation state. Remember that electronegativity is greatest at the top-right of the periodic table and decreases toward the bottom-left.
- Some elements almost always have the same oxidation states in their compounds:
What is the oxidation state of chromium in Cr2+?
SOLUTION
For a simple ion such as this, the oxidation state equals the charge on the ion: +2 (by convention, the + sign is always included to avoid confusion)
What is the oxidation state of chromium in CrCl3?
This is a neutral compound, so the sum of the oxidation states is zero. Chlorine has an oxidation state of -1 (no fluorine or oxygen atoms are present). Let n equal the oxidation state of chromium:
n + 3(-1) = 0
n = +3
The oxidation state of chromium is +3.
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