The correct order of N-compounds in its decreasing order of oxidation states is (NEET 2018)

Let the oxidation state of nitrogen in each of the given N-compound be x. (i) HNO₃ : + 1 + x + 3(–2) = 0 x = + 5 Oxidation state of N in HNO₃ is + 5. (ii) NO : + x + 1(–2) = 0 x = + 2 Oxidation state of N in NO is + 2. (iii) NH₄Cl : x + 4(+1) + 1(–1) = 0 x = – 3 Oxidation state of N in NH₄Cl is – 3. (iv) N₂ : x = 0 [ N₂ is present in elemental state] Oxidation state of N in N₂ is 0. Thus, the correct decreasing order of oxidation states of given N-compounds will be : 5 2 0 3 3 2 4 HNO NO N NH Cl