Question

What are the oxidation numbers of the atoms in the compound $C{F}_4$?

• A. +4, -1
• B. +1, -4
• C. +3, -2
• D. +2, -3
• E. +4, -4

Answer 1

The correct option is E +4, -4

The oxidation numbers of the atoms in the compound $C{F}_4$ are +4 and -1 for C and F respectively.
Since F is most electronegative atom, it has oxidation number of -1.
Four F atoms corresponds to total oxidation number of $4\times -1=-4$
This is balanced by +4 oxidation number of C.