What is the change in oxidation number of carbon in the following reaction? CH4(g) + 4Cl2(g) CCl4(l) + 4HCl(g)
- 0 to +4
- -4 to +4
- 0 to -4
- +4 to +4
Answer
(2) -4 to +4
Solution
Let the oxidation number of C be x.
In CH4: x + 4(+1) = 0 x = -4
In CCl4: x + 4(-1) = 0 x = +4
the oxidation number of carbon changes from -4 to +4.
Answer: (2)