In which of the following compounds, nitrogen exhibits highest oxidation state?
- N2H4
- NH3
- N3H
- NH2OH
Answer
(3) N3H
Solution
Taking the oxidation number of H = +1 and O = −2, let the oxidation number of N be x.
N2H4: 2x + 4 = 0 x = -2
NH3: x + 3 = 0 x = -3
N3H: 3x + 1 = 0 x = - 13
NH2OH: x + 2 - 2 + 1 = 0 x = -1
nitrogen has the highest oxidation state (- 13 ) in N3H.
Answer: (3)