Oxidation state of oxygen is positive in which compound?

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (b) OF₂
Explanation:
· In oxygen difluoride (OF₂), oxygen shows a positive oxidation state.
· This happens because fluorine is more electronegative than oxygen and always has an oxidation state of –1.
· Let oxidation state of O = x
​$$x+2(−1)=0=>x=+2x$$​​
· Thus, oxygen has an oxidation state of +2 in OF₂.
Information Booster:
· Oxygen generally shows –2 oxidation state, but exceptions occur with fluorine and in peroxides/superoxides.
· Positive oxidation states of oxygen are rare and occur only when bonded to a more electronegative element (fluorine).
Additional Knowledge :
· (a) H₂O₂ (Hydrogen peroxide):Oxygen oxidation state = –1 (peroxide).
· (c) HO₂⁻ (Hydroperoxide ion): Average oxidation state of O = –1/2.
· (d) SO₂ (Sulfur dioxide): Oxygen oxidation state = –2.