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Oxidation Numbers

In a january 2012 paper, the question was:

What is the oxidation number of oxygen in OF2?
A -2
B -1
C +1
D +2

The answer was B, -1. Please can someone explain this to me?
Reply 1
Avatar for Stickyelmo
Stickyelmo
2
Are you sure it is B? Every way I think of this is O = -2 and F=+1. I was told Oxygen is always -2 unless it is in O2
Original post by JRSmith29395
In a january 2012 paper, the question was:

What is the oxidation number of oxygen in OF2?
A -2
B -1
C +1
D +2

The answer was B, -1. Please can someone explain this to me?


The anwer given is incorrect. The oxidation number should be +2, D
Reply 3
Avatar for Stickyelmo
Stickyelmo
2
Original post by charco
The anwer given is incorrect. The oxidation number should be +2, D


D: not -2? Is this due to the electronegativity of F being the highest possible?
Original post by Stickyelmo
D: not -2? Is this due to the electronegativity of F being the highest possible?


yes
Original post by Stickyelmo
D: not -2? Is this due to the electronegativity of F being the highest possible?

No. Fluorine will always be -1, so oxygen in F2O would be +2.
Reply 6
Avatar for bluemax
bluemax
16
Original post by JRSmith29395
In a january 2012 paper, the question was:

What is the oxidation number of oxygen in OF2?
A -2
B -1
C +1
D +2

The answer was B, -1. Please can someone explain this to me?



yeah its wrong. The oxidation number oxygen in OF2 is +2


Try checking the question again too. Because if its asking for fluorine then the answer will indeed be -1
(edited 12 years ago)
Reply 7
Avatar for JRSmith29395
JRSmith29395
OP
Original post by Alofleicester
No. Fluorine will always be -1, so oxygen in F2O would be +2.


I thought oxygen was always -2 except in peroxides?
Reply 8
Avatar for illusionz
illusionz
20
Original post by JRSmith29395
I thought oxygen was always -2 except in peroxides?


Or when it's bound to fluorine
Reply 9
Avatar for JRSmith29395
JRSmith29395
OP
Original post by illusionz
Or when it's bound to fluorine


oh right thanks :smile:

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