What are the oxidation number of the underlined elements in each of the following and how do you rationalise your results?

CH3COOH


C2H4O2


2(x) + 4(+ 1) + 2(-2) = 0


2x + 4-4 = 0


X = 0


However,0 is average O.N. of C. The two carbon atoms present in this molecule are present in the different environments. Hence, they cannot have the same oxidation number.


Thus, C exhibits the oxidation states of + 2 and -2 in CH3COOH.



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