What is the oxidation state of carbon in Al2(CO3)3?

• A. 0
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. -2

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the overall charge of the compound Al2(CO3)3, which is neutral (0 charge).
2. Recognize that aluminum (Al) typically has an oxidation state of +3.
3. Determine the total positive charge contributed by aluminum: since there are 2 Al atoms, total positive charge is \$2 \times (+3) = +6$.
4. Understand that the carbonate ion (CO3) has an overall charge of -2, and there are 3 carbonate ions, so total negative charge is \$3 \times (-2) = -6$.
5. Within the carbonate ion, oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2. Let the oxidation state of carbon be \(x\). Set up the equation for one carbonate ion: \(x + 3 \times (-2) = -2\). Solve for \(x\) to find the oxidation state of carbon.