What is the absolute mathematical difference between the actual oxidation state of a terminal carbon — Redox Reactions and Volumetric Analysis Chemistry Question
Question
What is the absolute mathematical difference between the actual oxidation state of a terminal carbon atom and the central carbon atom in a molecule of carbon suboxide ($C_3O_2$)?
Answer: 2
💡 Solution & Explanation
Carbon suboxide has a linear structure: $O=C=C=C=O$. The terminal carbons are double bonded to oxygen, acquiring a +2 oxidation state. The central carbon is double bonded only to other identical carbon atoms, remaining in a 0 oxidation state. The absolute difference is $ | 2 - 0 | = 2$.
💬Ask on WhatsApp →
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes