Question

Give oxidation state of each carbon in C3O2.

Answer 1

 The only structure that is consistent with the formula you wrote down is O=C=C=C=O. The carbon in the middle has 0 oxidation state, whereas the carbons bonded to oxygen have a +2 oxidation state. On average, the oxidation state at carbon is [(2 + 2 + 0)/3] = +1.3. On the other hand, both oxygens have an oxidation state of -2

Answer 2

Answer:

• Answer. The structure of C3O2 is O=C=C=C=O. The carbon in the middle has 0oxidation state, whereas the carbons bonded to oxygen have a +2 oxidation state. On average, the oxidation state at carbon is [(2 + 2 + 0)/3] = +1.3