Question

In case of carbon suboxide $\left(C_3{O}_2\right)$, which of the following statement is correct?

• A. All the carbon atoms have a fractional oxidation state of $\frac{4}{3}$
• B. All the three carbons atoms has oxidation state of $+2$
• C. Two of the carbon atoms have oxidation state of $+2$
• D. One carbon atom has oxidation state of $-2$

Answer 1

The correct option is C Two of the carbon atoms have oxidation state of $+2$

The structure of carbon suboxide $\left(C_3{O}_2\right)$ is $O=\stackrel{+2}{C}=\stackrel{0}{C}=\stackrel{+2}{C}=O$. Here two carbon atoms has oxidation state of $+2$ and one carbon atom has zero oxidation state.