Assign oxidation states to all atoms in compound.
C2H2O4
i already know the other 2 but how do i find C
C - ?
H - +1
O - -2
All compounds must add up to zero
Total H = +2
total O = -8
total C must be C+2-8 = 0
To determine the oxidation state of carbon (C) in the compound C2H2O4 (oxalic acid), you can follow these steps:
1. Start by assuming that all the hydrogen (H) atoms have an oxidation state of +1, as you mentioned in your question.
2. Next, assume that oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2, as you also mentioned.
3. Since C2H2O4 is a neutral compound, the sum of the oxidation states of all the atoms must add up to zero.
4. Let x represent the oxidation state of carbon (C).
5. The compound has two carbon atoms, so we can represent the oxidation state of carbon as 2x.
6. The total oxidation state can be calculated as follows:
2x + 2(+1) + 4(-2) = 0
7. Simplifying the equation, we get:
2x + 2 - 8 = 0,
2x - 6 = 0,
2x = 6,
x = 3.
Therefore, the oxidation state of carbon (C) in C2H2O4 is +3.