Question

In which of the following compounds is the oxidation state of carbon is zero?

• A. $HCOOH$
• B. $C{H}_{3}OH$
• C. $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$
• D. $C{H}_4$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Let $x$ be the oxidation state of carbon.
Since, the overall charge on the complex is $0$, the sum of oxidation states of all elements in it should be equal to $0$.
a. $C{H}_4:x+4=0\to x=-4$
b. $C{H}_{3}OH:x+4-2=0\Rightarrow x=-2$
c. $HCOOH:x+2-4=0\Rightarrow x=2$
d. $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6:6x+12-12=0\Rightarrow x=0$
Hence, the oxidation state of carbon is zero in $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$.