What is the oxidation number of the carbon atom in CF_4?

• A. 0
• B. -4
• C. +4
• D. +2

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the oxidation number (ON) is a hypothetical charge an atom would have if all bonds were completely ionic.
2. Assign the oxidation number of fluorine (F) as -1 because fluorine is the most electronegative element and almost always has an ON of -1 in compounds.
3. Let the oxidation number of carbon (C) be x. Since the molecule is neutral, the sum of the oxidation numbers must be zero.
4. Write the equation for the sum of oxidation numbers: \(x + 4(\times -1) = 0\).
5. Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation number of carbon: \(x - 4 = 0 \Rightarrow x = +4\).