OXIDATION

NUMBER

PROF. EM SAGALES
 The oxidation number of an
element
• represents the positive or negative
character (nature) of an atom of
that element in a bonding situation.
• It is a tool for keeping track of the
flow of electrons in redox reactions
(also called oxidation state)

PROF. EM SAGALES
 How to determine the oxidation
number of an atom

Rules:
• Element by itself: oxidation
number is zero (0)
Zn + 2HCl H2 + ZnCl2
 

Zn on the left side of the equation and H2 on the right side of

the equation are uncombined so their oxidation number is 0.
 
PROF. EM SAGALES
 How to determine the oxidation
number of an atom

Rules:
• Elements under Group IA:
always take an oxidation number
of (+1)

PROF. EM SAGALES
Group 1A: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr
 How to determine the oxidation
number of an atom

Rules:
• Elements under Group 2A:
always take an oxidation number
of (+2)

PROF. EM SAGALES
Group 2A: Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra
 How to determine the oxidation
number of an atom

Rules:
• Halogen Group:
usually takes an oxidation of (-1),
but positive when combined with
oxygen or fluorine.

PROF. EM SAGALES Halogens: F, Cl, Br, I,

 How to determine the oxidation
number of an atom

Rules:
• Monoatomic ion:
oxidation number is the same as
the ion charge
Example: S2- , oxidation number of S is -2
 

PROF. EM SAGALES
 How to determine the oxidation
number of an atom

Rules:
• Hydrogen:
oxidation is (+1) if combine with
non metals and (-1) with metals

PROF. EM SAGALES
 How to determine the oxidation
number of an atom

Rules:
• Oxygen:
usually takes an oxidation
number of (-2) and (-1) in
peroxide (H2O2)

PROF. EM SAGALES
 How to determine the oxidation
number of an atom

Rules:
• Flourine:
always takes an oxidation of
(-1)

PROF. EM SAGALES
 How to determine the oxidation
number of an atom

Rules:
• Sum of oxidation number for a
neutral compound is zero (0).
Example: ZnCl2
 
Zn+2 Cl2 -1 ,
 
Sum of oxidation number : 1(2) + 2(-1) = 0
 

PROF. EM SAGALES
 How to determine the oxidation
number of an atom

Rules:
• Sum of oxidation number for a
polyatomic ion is the same as the
ion charge.
Example: (SO4)-1
 
S+7 O4-2

PROF. EM SAGALES Sum of oxidation number of the ion: 1(+7)+4(-2) = -1