Question

In which of the following compounds carbon is in highest oxidation state?

• A. $C{H}_{3}Cl$
• B. $CC{l}_4$
• C. $CHC{l}_3$
• D. $C{H}_{2}C{l}_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $CC{l}_4$

Let the oxidation number of carbon be $x$.

Oxidation number of $H=+1$, $Cl=-1$

(A) $C{H}_{3}Cl$: $x+3\times 1+(-1)=0$

$x+3-1=0$ or $x=-2$

(B) $CC{l}_4$: $x+4\times (-1)=0$

$x-4=0$ or $x=+4$

(C) $CHC{l}_3$: $x+1+3\times (-1)=0$

$x+1-3=0$ or $x=+2$

(D) $C{H}_{2}C{l}_2$: $x+2\times 1+2\times (-1)=0$

$x+2-2=0$ or $x=0$

the highest oxidation state of carbon is +4 in $CC{l}_4$