What is the Oxidation State of Ti in TiO2?

[Widow]

Hi there! I have a quick question that could use some clarification. According to my textbook, an oxygen atom has an oxidation state of -1 when in the polyatomic ion peroxide, although it's -2 in most other cases. However, I've come across this problem where it asks for the oxidation state of Ti in the compound TiO₂. I figured it was +2 since each oxygen atom carries an oxidation state of -1 (because it's a peroxide) and -1(2) is -2, so Ti must have an oxidation state of +2, right? But then when I try to ease my qualms, every single post on the Internet points toward an oxidation state of +4. I don't understand! Is this titanium peroxide or titanium dioxide? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[~christina~]

Hi there! I have a quick question that could use some clarification. According to my textbook, an oxygen atom has an oxidation state of -1 when in the polyatomic ion peroxide, although it's -2 in most other cases. However, I've come across this problem where it asks for the oxidation state of Ti in the compound TiO₂. I figured it was +2 since each oxygen atom carries an oxidation state of -1 (because it's a peroxide) and -1(2) is -2, so Ti must have an oxidation state of +2, right? But then when I try to ease my qualms, every single post on the Internet points toward an oxidation state of +4. I don't understand! Is this titanium peroxide or titanium dioxide? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Peroxides technically have the oxygens bonded to each other. TiO2 is titanium dioxide. It has a oxidation state of +4 because the two oxygens are not bonded to each other and each have an oxidation state of -2. (Two oxygens each having -2 state vs. peroxide oxygen which has O2 (-2) state)

 

[Borek]

Tina already answered your question correctly. The simplest and shortest answer is: TiO₂ is not a peroxide.

 

[Widow]

Thank you so much! :)

 

[LudusRex]

Hello! Thank you for your question. The oxidation state of Ti in TiO2 is indeed +4. This is because the oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds, including TiO2, is -2. Therefore, in order for the overall compound to have a neutral charge, the oxidation state of Ti must be +4.

You are correct in your understanding that in peroxides, such as H2O2, the oxidation state of oxygen is -1. However, TiO2 is not a peroxide. It is a compound known as titanium dioxide, which has a different chemical structure than peroxides. In TiO2, each oxygen atom is bonded to two titanium atoms, resulting in a -2 charge on each oxygen atom.

It is important to note that oxidation states are assigned based on the distribution of electrons in a compound, and can vary depending on the compound's structure and bonding. In the case of TiO2, the oxidation state of Ti is +4, regardless of the oxidation state of oxygen in other compounds such as peroxides.

I hope this helps clarify any confusion. Let me know if you have any other questions.