Question

Oxidation number of carbon in sucrose is:

• A. $0$
• B. $+12$
• C. $-12$
• D. $+7$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$0$

Molecular formula of sucrose $=C_{12}{H}_{22}{O}_{11}$

Overall charge on sucrose $=0$

Oxidation no. of oxygen in sucrose $=-2$

Oxidation no. of hydrogen in sucrose $=+1$

Let the oxidation no. of carbon be x.

Sum of oxidation no. of atoms = overall charge on atom

$\Rightarrow 12\times x+22\times (+1)+11\times (-2)=0$

$\Rightarrow 12x+22-22=0$

$\Rightarrow 12x=0$

$\Rightarrow x=0$

Hence, the oxidation number of carbon in sucrose is 0.