Oxidation numbers for CNO- ???
so i know that for sure the oxidation of oxygen is -2... but if u can just find the oxidation number for carbon and nitrogen in that compound i would really appreciate it! and also to explain why .. thanks
2 Answers
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The more electronegative element is assigned the negative oxidation number.
CNO1-
O = -2
N = -3 (more electronegative than C)
C = +4
The sum of these oxidation numbers is -1, the same as the overall charge on the ion.
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In CNO C is bonded to N and N is bonded to O.
When C bonds to N as in CN-, C is +2 (because N is -3).
In CNO, N is oxidized, C remains the same (+2) and 0 is -2. That leaves N as -1.