Oxidation Number of Nitrogen in Nitrobenzene
Nitrobenzene is a chemical compound with the formula C₆H₅NO₂. To determine the oxidation number of nitrogen in nitrobenzene, we need to analyze the structure and the bonding of the compound.
Structure of Nitrobenzene
- Nitrobenzene consists of a benzene ring (C₆H₅) with a nitro group (NO₂) attached to it.
- The nitro group has nitrogen bonded to two oxygen atoms and carries a formal charge.
Oxidation State Calculation
- The oxidation state is calculated based on the known oxidation states of other elements in the molecule.
- Oxygen generally has an oxidation state of -2. In the nitro group (NO₂), there are two oxygen atoms contributing a total of -4.
- The overall charge of the nitro group is neutral, so the total contributions from nitrogen must balance the -4 from oxygen.
Setting Up the Equation
- Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be represented as x.
- The equation can be set up as follows:
x + (-2) + (-2) = 0
- Simplifying this gives us:
x - 4 = 0
x = +4
Conclusion
- Therefore, the oxidation number of nitrogen in nitrobenzene is +5.
- This positive oxidation state indicates that nitrogen is in a higher oxidation state due to its bonding with electronegative oxygen atoms.