Question

Oxidation states of carbon atoms in diamond and graphite are.

• A. $+2,+4$
• B. $+4,+2$
• C. $-4,4$
• D. Zero, zero

Answer 1

The correct option is D Zero, zero

Graphite and diamond by itself is elemental carbon and oxidation state of an element in free state is 0. So in graphite and diamond, carbon is in 0 oxidation state.