Question

When does oxygen exhibit $+2$ oxidation state in the compound?

Answer 1

Oxygen:

• Oxygen belongs to $\mathrm{p}-$block elements.
• It comes under group$-16$ elements.
• Oxygen is an electronegative atom.
• It exhibits $-2$oxidation also exhibits $+2$ state under certain conditions.
• It is a highly reactive non-metal and acts as an oxidizing agent.

$+2$ state:

• The oxygen exhibit $+2$ state when the combining atom has electronegativity greater than oxygen.
• Eg: ${\mathrm{OF}}_2$:
• $$\begin{gathered} 2(-1)+\mathrm{x}=-2 \\ \mathrm{x}=+2(\mathrm{where},\mathrm{x}-\mathrm{Oxygen}) \end{gathered}$$
• The oxygen has the electronegativity value of $3.44$ and fluorine has $3.98$.
• So, the oxygen will show $+2$ state when combining atoms has a greater electronegativity value.