In this post, we will determine the oxidation numbers in formaldehyde, CH2O.
To determine the oxidation number of an atom(s) in a molecule or an ion, start with the known oxidation numbers and the rules summarized below:
Keep in mind that the summary is zero for neutral molecules and is equal to the charge for ions.
For CH2O, the elements with standard oxidation states are oxygen (-2), and hydrogen (+1) so, we need to determine the oxidation state of the carbon.
Assign x for the oxidation state of N and set up an equation.
1x + 2(+1) + 1(-2) = 0, x = 0
Further Reading
- Solutions
- Strong and Weak Electrolytes
- Dissociation of Ionic Compounds
- Molecular, Ionic, and Net Ionic Equations
- Molarity
- Dilution
- Ion Concentration
- Precipitation Reactions
- Definitions of Acids and Bases
- Naming Acids and Bases
- Acid-Base Reactions
- Displacement Reactions
- Predicting The Products of Chemical Reactions
- Stoichiometry of Reactions in Aqueous Solutions
- Acid-Base Titrations
- Oxidation State
- Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Reactions
More examples of the oxidation state in this multiple-choice quiz:
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Oxidation State and Redox Reactions Quiz
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