Question

Oxidation state of oxygen in OF₂ is
1. -1
2. -2
3. +1
4. +2

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : +2

The correct answer is +2.

• The oxidation state of oxygen in OF₂ is +2.
  • The oxidation state of an atom (sometimes referred to as the oxidation number) in a chemical compound provides insight into the number of electrons it lost.
  • It describes the extent of oxidation of the atom.
  • The oxidation state of an atom can be defined as the hypothetical charge that would be held by that atom if all of its bonds to other atoms were completely ionic.
  • Ideally, the oxidation state is either zero, positive, or negative.
  • The electronegativity order of the two elements involved in this compound (OF2) is F>O.
  • Hence in the OF₂molecule, F is more electronegative than O.
  • So, element F is given oxidation state -1 and thus, O shows +2 oxidation state.

• A chemical reaction that includes the movement of electrons is called oxidation.
  • A substance that donates electrons is said to be oxidized.
  • The oxidation state of an atom is not regarded as the real charge of the atom.
  • In a chemical reaction if there is an increase in oxidation state then it is known as oxidation whereas if there is a decrease in oxidation state, it is known as reduction.
  • The lowest known oxidation state is −4, for carbon in CH₄ (methane).
  • The highest known oxidation state is +9 in the tetroxoiridium (IX).