Question

In which compound among the following, carbon has a zero oxidation state?

• A. $C{H}_4$
• B. $C{H}_{3}Cl$
• C. $C{H}_{2}C{l}_2$
• D. $CC{l}_4$.

Answer 1

The correct option is C $C{H}_{2}C{l}_2$

$\text{Sum of total oxidation state of all atoms}=\text{Overall charge on the compound}.$

Oxidation state of $Cl$ is $-1$.Let oxidation state of $C$ be $x$.

For $C{H}_4$, applying above formula, $x+4\left(1\right)=0,x=-4.$
For $C{H}_{3}Cl$, applying above formula, $x+3\left(1\right)+1(-1)=0,x=-2.$

For $C{H}_{2}C{l}_2$, applying above formula, $x+2\left(1\right)+2(-1)=0,x=0.$

For $CC{l}_4$, applying above formula, $x+4(-1)=0,x=+4.$

$\therefore$ oxidation state is $0$ for $C$ in $C{H}_{2}C{l}_2$