Correct option is A
The correct answer is (A) +2
Explanation:
In the compound OF₂ (oxygen difluoride), the oxidation state of oxygen can be determined by considering the oxidation state of fluorine, which is typically -1.
Let the oxidation state of oxygen be x. The total oxidation state of the compound must be zero, as OF₂ is neutral.
The sum of oxidation numbers is:
Oxidation number of O+2×(Oxidation number of F)=0Oxidation number of O+2×(Oxidation number of F)=0Oxidation number of O+2×(Oxidation number of F)=0
Substituting the known values:
Thus, the oxidation state of oxygen in OF₂ is +2.
Information Booster:
In OF₂, fluorine is more electronegative than oxygen, so it takes an oxidation state of -1.
The oxidation state of oxygen in OF₂ is +2, which is unusual, as oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2 in most compounds.
OF₂ is a highly reactive compound, and oxygen in it exhibits an oxidation state that is higher than usual because fluorine is the most electronegative element.
This high oxidation state of oxygen is one of the unique characteristics of oxygen difluoride.
OF₂ is used in certain specialized applications, including as a fluorinating agent in chemical reactions.