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Grade 12Physical Chemistry

What is oxidation number of carbon in CN-
?
(Give the absolute value)

Profile image of Adarsh Pal
5 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

Profile image of Adarsh Pal
5 Years ago

Let x be the oxidation number of C in CN− ion. The oxidation number of N is 3.
The sum of the oxidation numbers is equal to the charge on the ion.
Hence, x+(−3)=−1
or, x=+2.
Thus, the oxidation number of C in cyanide ion is +2.