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 ()?

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 ($C_3O_2$)?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 2. Carbon suboxide has a linear structure: . 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 .

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