Question

Oxidation number of bromine in sequence in ${Br}_3{O}_8$?

• A. $+8,+6,+8$
• B. $+6,+4,+6$
• C. $0,0,0$
• D. $+8,+4,+8$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $+6,+4,+6$

The two terminal $Br$ are attached to $3$ $O$ atoms with double bonds. So, the oxidation number of the terminal $Br$ will be $+6$.

The middle $Br$ is attached to $2$ $O$ atoms with double bonds, both the oxygen atom together contributes +4 oxidation no. to the Bromine atom. However, the middle bromine attached to two terminal bromine won't contribute to its oxidation state because of no electronegativity difference between them. So it has oxidation number $+4$