Oxidation number of carbon in (NH4)2C2O4

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In the discussion about the oxidation numbers of carbon and nitrogen in the compound (NH4)2C2O4, it is clarified that the oxidation number of nitrogen is -3, not -4, as the oxidation states must sum to the charge of the ammonium ion (NH4+). For carbon, the oxidation number is determined to be +3, not +4, based on the oxidation states of oxygen, which is -2. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly calculating oxidation numbers by considering the overall charge of the ions involved. The initial claim of carbon being +4 is corrected through this analysis.
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What is the Oxidation Number of Carbon and Nitrogen In this compound (NH4)2C2O4?? i think the oxidation number of carbon is (+4) and Nitrogen is (-4).
am i true?? or not?
Note:this is not a homework.
 
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I can't judge whether you are true :-)
I only can tell you that you are wrong.
 
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DrDu said:
I can't judge whether you are true :-)
I only can tell you that you are wrong.
Can you tell me why and where ??
 
So let's take NH4-: H has oxidation number +1 and the oxidation numbers have to sum up to the total charge of the ion, -1. That gives -3 for nitrogen. Same argument with C2O42-: Oxygen has oxidation number -2. Leaves me with +3 for carbon.
 
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@DrDu - confusing typo in your post, it is NH4+ - unless it was premeditated :wink:
 
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Thank you guys. I thought that carbon has a oxidation number of +4 in this compound.
Thank you so much for help.
 

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