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Question

What are the oxidation numbers of copper? Give examples.


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Solution

Oxidation number:

  • It is defined as the number of unpaired electrons present in the atom of an element that is available for bonding.
  • Transition elements show variable oxidation states as they can use s electron as well as d electron.
  • Copper Cu is a transition metal.

Oxidation number of CopperCu:

  • The atomic number of Cu is 29.
  • its electronic configuration be like [Ar]3d94s2 (less stable) and [Ar]3d104s1 (more stable)
  • It can lose one electron from outer 4s or both electrons from 4s or both electrons from 4s plus one electron from 3d
  • Hence Cu can exist in three oxidation numbers that are 1,+2and+3.
  • The most common oxidation number of Cu is +2.

Steps for calculating oxidation number:

  • Determine whether the ion/molecule is neutral or charged.
  • Set the oxidation numbers in a compound equal to a compound's charge.
  • Find atoms without oxidation number rules.
  • Find the known oxidation number for the other elements in the compound.
  • Multiply the number of each atom by its oxidation number.
  • Add the results together.

Examples of Copper with different oxidation numbers:

  • The oxidation number of Cu in Copper chloride CuCl2 and Copper oxide CuO is +2.
  • The oxidation number of Cu in Cuprous chloride CuCl is +1.
  • The oxidation number of Cu in Potassium hexafluoro cuprate(III) K3CuF6 is +3.

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