Question

I have this question:

Consider the dichloropropane molecule, C3H6Cl2. Despite being a molecular compound, oxidation states can be assigned to the elements in butane. 

+1Calculate the oxidation state of the carbon atoms. The oxidation state of the Cl atoms is at a value of -1 here. Show your work. Also fill in the oxidation state of the H atoms.


I have:

C3H6Cl2
Carbon 4x+6*1=0
4x+6=0
-6 -6
-1.5
4x = -6 , x=-6/4
/4 /4
­­­x= -3/2 or -1.5
Oxidation state of c= -1.5
For H = 1+

Is this correct? Also what is strange about the oxidation state of carbon in dichloropropane?

Answer 1

C3H6Cl2
I would do it this way. Cl = 2*-1 = 2-
H = 6*+1 = 6+
3C + 6 + (-2) = 0
3C = -4
C = -4/3 each

C =

C = -4/3