Question

What is the oxidation number of iodine in ${\mathrm{I}}_2$?

Answer 1

Oxidation number: Oxidation number denotes the oxidation state of an element in a compound ascertained according to a set of rules formulated on the basis that electron pair in a covalent bond belongs entirely to a more electronegative element.

Calculating the oxidation number of iodine in ${\mathrm{I}}_2$:

• When the elements are present in free or their elemental state then the oxidation number of the particular element will be zero.
• Here the Iodine is present in elemental form.
• So, the oxidation number of iodine in ${\mathrm{I}}_2$ is zero.