Assigning Oxidation Numbers General rules for assigning oxidation numbers (order
ID: 551507 • Letter: A
Question
Assigning Oxidation Numbers General rules for assigning oxidation numbers (order matters!) 1. The oxidation state of each atom in an elemental substance is zero. 2. Fluorine is-1 3. Group 1A metals are +1, Group 2A metals are +2, Group 3A (except TI) and 3B are +3 in their compounds 4. Hydrogen is +1 5. Oxygen is -2 6. Halogens are-1 except when bound to a more electronegative halogen. 4. Assign an oxidation number to chlorine in each of the following substances. Substance: HCIO4 MgClh Cl2 HOCI HC Ox Number of Cl: Pre-Recitation 10-Page 3 of 4Explanation / Answer
HClO4 = let the oxidation number pof chlorine be x
= +1 + x+ 4*(-2) = 0
x - 7 = 0
x = +7
Ox no of Cl = +7
MgCl2
Magnesium = Group 2 metal so oxiation number will be +2
2 + 2x = 0
2x = -2
x = -1
O.N. = -1
Cl2
Cl2 is in its elemental form so its oxidation number will be 0
HOCl
+1 + (-2) +x = 0
x = +1
O.N. = +1
HCl
+1 + x = 0
x = -1
O.N. = -1