Question

Oxidation number of C in HNC is_________.

• A. $+2$
• B. $-3$
• C. $+3$
• D. Zero

Answer 1

The correct option is A $+2$

Oxidation number of hydrogen is +1. As nitrogen is more electronegative than carbon so its oxidation number is -3. Net charge on compound is zero.

Now we can find oxidation number of carbon:

Let oxidation number of carbon is $x$,

$1+(-3)+x=0$

$x=+2$

Hence, the correct option is $A$