What are the oxidation states of the terminal bromine atoms and the central bromine atom, respectively, in tribromooctaoxide ( Br₃O₈ )?

Step-by-step solution

The structure of tribromooctaoxide ( Br₃O₈ ) is O₃Br-BrO₂-BrO₃ . In this molecule, the two terminal bromine atoms are each bonded to three oxygen atoms via double bonds. Therefore, the oxidation state of each terminal bromine atom is +6. The central bromine atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms via double bonds (and to two bromine atoms, which do not contribute to the oxidation state difference). Therefore, the oxidation state of the central bromine atom is +4. The average oxidation state is + 16 3 , but the individua