What is the oxidation number of the carbon atom in carbon monoxide (CO)?

• A. 0
• B. +2
• C. -2
• D. +4

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the oxidation number of an element in a compound is a hypothetical charge that an atom would have if all bonds were considered ionic.
2. Assign the oxidation number of oxygen as -2, which is its common oxidation state in most compounds except peroxides and a few others.
3. Let the oxidation number of carbon be x. Since carbon monoxide (CO) is a neutral molecule, the sum of the oxidation numbers must be zero.
4. Write the equation for the sum of oxidation numbers: \(x + (-2) = 0\).
5. Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation number of carbon: \(x = +2\).