Question
What is the oxidation number of carbon in oxalic acid ?
MHT CET
Chemistry
Redox Reactions
2026
MHT CET 2026 (18 April Shift 2)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. +2
- B. +3
- C. +4
- D. +6
Answer
B. +3
Step-by-step solution
The chemical formula of oxalic acid is H_2C_2O_4. Let the oxidation number of carbon be x. The oxidation number of hydrogen is +1 and that of oxygen is -2. The sum of oxidation numbers of all atoms in a neutral molecule is zero. 2(+1) + 2(x) + 4(-2) = 0 2 + 2x - 8 = 0 2x - 6 = 0 2x = 6 x = +3 The oxidation number of carbon in oxalic acid is +3. Answer: +3
Related: Chemistry — Redox Reactions · All PYQ Banks