In Carbon suboxide (), the mathematically calculated average oxidation state and the actual structur — Redox Reactions and Volumetric Analysis Chemistry Question
Question
In Carbon suboxide ($C_3O_2$), the mathematically calculated average oxidation state and the actual structural oxidation states of the carbon atoms are respectively:
Answer: A
💡 Solution & Explanation
Let the average O.S. of C be $x$. $3x + 2(-2) = 0 \Rightarrow x = +4/3$. Structurally, carbon suboxide is linear ($O=C=C=C=O$). The terminal carbons are attached to oxygen (+2), while the central carbon is attached only to other carbons (0).
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