Question

Oxidation number of carbon and total number atoms in carbon suboxide are, respectively :

• A. $+5,4$
• B. $+\frac{4}{3},3$
• C. $+\frac{4}{3},5$
• D. $+4,5$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $+\frac{4}{3},5$

The formula of carbon suboxide is $C_3{O}_2[O=C=C=C=O]$.
So, it has total $5$ atoms.
Let $x$ be the oxidation state of $C$.
$3x-4=0;x=+\frac{4}{3}$
Hence, the oxidation state of $C$ is $+\frac{4}{3}$.