Question

Which of the following oxides of carbon has fractional oxidation state?

• A. Carbon monoxide
• B. Carbon dioxide
• C. Carbon suboxide
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C Carbon suboxide

Oxidation number of carbon in carbon monoxide = $\frac{2\times 1-0}{1}$ =+2

Oxidation number of carbon in carbon dioxide = $\frac{2\times 2-0}{1}$ =+4

Oxidation number of carbon in carbon suboxide = $\frac{2\times 2-0}{3}$ =4/3

So oxidation state of carbon is fractional in carbon suboxide.