Chapter 4: Problem 49
Determine the oxidation number for the indicated element in each of the following substances: (a) \(\mathrm{S}\) in \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\), (b) \(\mathrm{C}\) in \(\mathrm{COCl}_{2}\),
Short Answer
Expert verified
The oxidation numbers for the indicated elements in the given substances are: (a) The oxidation number of Sulfur (S) in SO₂ is +4; (b) The oxidation number of Carbon (C) in COCl₂ is +4.
Step by step solution
01
Determine Oxidation numbers of Known Elements
To find the indicated element's oxidation number, we first need to find the oxidation numbers of the other elements in the compounds, according to the rules for computing oxidation numbers.
02
(a) Determine the Oxidation Number of S in SO2
In SO₂, we have:
1. The oxidation number of Oxygen (O) is always -2.
2. There are two Oxygen atoms, so the total oxidation number for Oxygen is -4.
Now, we need to find the oxidation number of Sulfur (S).
03
Calculate the Oxidation Number of Sulfur in SO2
The sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is zero. Thus, the oxidation number of Sulfur (S) in SO₂ must be such that when we add it to the oxidation number of Oxygen, we get zero.
Let \(x\) be the oxidation number of Sulfur (S). Then, the equation is: \(x + (-4) = 0\)
Solving for \(x\):
\(x = 4\)
So, the oxidation number of Sulfur (S) in SO₂ is +4.
04
(b) Determine the Oxidation Number of C in COCl2
In COCl₂, we have:
1. The oxidation number of Oxygen (O) is always -2.
2. The oxidation number of Chlorine (Cl) is always -1 (except in compounds with Fluorine or Oxygen).
Now, we need to find the oxidation number of Carbon (C).
05
Calculate the Oxidation Number of Carbon in COCl2
There are two Chlorine atoms, so the total oxidation number for Chlorine in COCl₂ is -2 (since -1 x 2 = -2).
The sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is zero. Thus, the oxidation number of Carbon (C) in COCl₂ must be such that when we add the oxidation numbers of Cl and O, we get zero.
Let \(x\) be the oxidation number of Carbon. Then, the equation is: \(-2 + (-2) + x = 0\)
Solving for \(x\):
\(x = 4\)
So, the oxidation number of Carbon (C) in COCl₂ is +4.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Oxidation State
The oxidation state, also known as the oxidation number, is an essential concept in the study of chemistry. It indicates the degree of oxidation or the number of electrons an atom gains or loses during a chemical reaction.
Understanding the oxidation state helps in predicting the chemical behavior and reactivity of elements.
To determine an element's oxidation state, consider the general rule that the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound must be zero. This rule ensures that the compound is electrically balanced.
Understanding the oxidation state helps in predicting the chemical behavior and reactivity of elements.
To determine an element's oxidation state, consider the general rule that the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound must be zero. This rule ensures that the compound is electrically balanced.
- Elements in their elemental form have an oxidation state of zero.
- For monoatomic ions, the oxidation state is equal to the ion's charge.
- Oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2, except in peroxides and bonding with fluorine.
- Hydrogen generally has an oxidation state of +1 except when paired with metals in hydrides.
Sulfur Oxidation Number
Sulfur, a versatile element, exhibits various oxidation states due to its ability to form different compounds.
In the compound SO₂, sulfur's oxidation number needs to be determined based on the oxidation states of the other atoms in the molecule.
The step-by-step method highlights that oxygen typically holds an oxidation state of -2. In SO₂, with two oxygen atoms, the collective oxidation number is -4.
Since the sum of oxidation numbers must equal zero in a neutral compound, sulfur must balance out the -4 contributed by oxygen. Using the equation: \(x + (-4) = 0\), where \(x\) is sulfur's oxidation number, we find \(x = 4\).
Thus, sulfur in SO₂ has an oxidation number of +4.
This helps us understand sulfur's oxidation behavior in various chemical contexts, ranging from minerals to biological systems.
In the compound SO₂, sulfur's oxidation number needs to be determined based on the oxidation states of the other atoms in the molecule.
The step-by-step method highlights that oxygen typically holds an oxidation state of -2. In SO₂, with two oxygen atoms, the collective oxidation number is -4.
Since the sum of oxidation numbers must equal zero in a neutral compound, sulfur must balance out the -4 contributed by oxygen. Using the equation: \(x + (-4) = 0\), where \(x\) is sulfur's oxidation number, we find \(x = 4\).
Thus, sulfur in SO₂ has an oxidation number of +4.
This helps us understand sulfur's oxidation behavior in various chemical contexts, ranging from minerals to biological systems.
Carbon Oxidation Number
Carbon is a central element in organic and inorganic chemistry with a range of oxidation numbers.
This range is due to carbon's ability to form stable bonds with many elements.
In the compound COCl₂, the task is to determine the oxidation number of carbon. Like in the previous example, we must consider the known oxidation states of other elements in the molecule.
Oxygen is -2, and each of the two chlorine atoms is -1, totaling -2 (since there are two chlorine atoms).
The sum of the oxidation numbers in the molecule must be zero, so we set up the equation: \(-2 + (-2) + x = 0\), where \(x\) is carbon's oxidation state.
Solving this gives \(x = 4\).
Therefore, carbon in COCl₂ has an oxidation number of +4.
This result reflects carbon's ability to maintain stability by acquiring or sharing electrons in chemical compounds.
This range is due to carbon's ability to form stable bonds with many elements.
In the compound COCl₂, the task is to determine the oxidation number of carbon. Like in the previous example, we must consider the known oxidation states of other elements in the molecule.
Oxygen is -2, and each of the two chlorine atoms is -1, totaling -2 (since there are two chlorine atoms).
The sum of the oxidation numbers in the molecule must be zero, so we set up the equation: \(-2 + (-2) + x = 0\), where \(x\) is carbon's oxidation state.
Solving this gives \(x = 4\).
Therefore, carbon in COCl₂ has an oxidation number of +4.
This result reflects carbon's ability to maintain stability by acquiring or sharing electrons in chemical compounds.
Neutral Compound Oxidation
In a neutral compound, the net oxidation state must sum to zero. This principle is crucial when determining unknown oxidation states. Using known oxidation numbers helps achieve balance. When handling compounds such as
SO₂ and COCl₂, start by assigning oxidation states based on established rules.
For example, oxygen as -2 and chlorine as -1, unless in rare exceptions. Use these to determine the unknown oxidation states of other atoms in the compound.
This method ensures accuracy in chemical calculations and helps students understand compound stability.
For example, oxygen as -2 and chlorine as -1, unless in rare exceptions. Use these to determine the unknown oxidation states of other atoms in the compound.
This method ensures accuracy in chemical calculations and helps students understand compound stability.
- The sum of all oxidation numbers always complements the overall charge of the compound, which is zero in neutral compounds.
- This concept also applies to ions, where the oxidation number sum equals the ion's charge.
Chemical Compound Analysis
Chemical compound analysis is the process of examining the composition and structure of chemical substances. By determining the oxidation states of different atoms, one can infer the electronic arrangements within compounds.
This process enables a deeper understanding of chemical reactions and properties.
Consider the compounds SO₂ and COCl₂. Through oxidation number calculation, we extract data about interatomic relationships and element behavior within the molecule. Such analysis provides insights into the reactivity of sulfur and carbon and their tendency to form particular bonds.
This analytical skill is vital for students and chemists, aiding in drug creation, material synthesis, and environmental assessment.
Regular practice of chemical compound analysis hones your ability to predict molecular interactions and properties. This grasp supports making educated predictions about unknown substances.
This process enables a deeper understanding of chemical reactions and properties.
Consider the compounds SO₂ and COCl₂. Through oxidation number calculation, we extract data about interatomic relationships and element behavior within the molecule. Such analysis provides insights into the reactivity of sulfur and carbon and their tendency to form particular bonds.
This analytical skill is vital for students and chemists, aiding in drug creation, material synthesis, and environmental assessment.
Regular practice of chemical compound analysis hones your ability to predict molecular interactions and properties. This grasp supports making educated predictions about unknown substances.