Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct about $C{H}_2=C{Cl}_2$?

• A. Both carbons are in $+2$ oxidation state
• B. Both carbons are in $-2$ oxidation state
• C. The first carbon has $+2$ and the second has $-2$ oxidation states
• D. The average oxidation number of carbon is zero

Answer 1

Answer: (C), (D)

The correct options are
C The average oxidation number of carbon is zero
D The first carbon has $+2$ and the second has $-2$ oxidation states

$C{H}_2=C{Cl}_2$

-2 +2
So, the first carbon has $+2$ and the second has $-2$ oxidation states as shown above.
Therefore, the average oxidation number of carbon is $\frac{(-2)+\left(2\right)}{2}=0$