Question

What are the two different oxidation states of carbon in Carbon suboxide $\left(C_3{O}_2\right)$ ?

• A. $+2,0$
• B. $+4,0$
• C. $+2,-2$
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A $+2,0$

The structure of linear $\left(C_3{O}_2\right)$ is given below :

$O=\stackrel{+2}{C}=\stackrel{0}{C}=\stackrel{+2}{C}=O$


The general oxidation number of $O$ is $-2$.
So , the oxidation numbers of two terminal carbon is $+2$
and the oxidation number of the central carbon is $0$ .