Question

What is the oxidation number of carbon in glucose?

• A. -6
• B. +6
• C. +3
• D. Zero

Hint:

In a neutral molecule like glucose, the sum of the oxidation numbers of all atoms must be zero. The oxidation number of carbon in glucose is zero.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Oxidation Numbers.
The oxidation number of an element in a molecule is the charge it would have if the electrons in its bonds were assigned to the more electronegative atom. In glucose (C\(_6\)H\(_{12}\)O\(_6\)), the oxidation numbers of the six carbon atoms are not all the same, but the average oxidation number of carbon is zero. This is because glucose is a neutral molecule, and the total oxidation numbers must sum to zero.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) -6: Incorrect. This is not the oxidation number of carbon in glucose.
(B) +6: Incorrect. This oxidation number does not correspond to carbon in glucose.
(C) +3: Incorrect. This oxidation number is not applicable to carbon in glucose.
(D) Zero: Correct. The oxidation number of carbon in glucose is zero when considering the molecule as a whole.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The oxidation number of carbon in glucose is zero, corresponding to option (D).