Question

Determine the oxidation number of nitrogen in each of the following molecules: NH_3 F_3 N_2O_3 NO NO_2 H_2NNH_2 NO_2

Answer 1

In NH3:

H is is +1 state

So, N is in +3 state

in NF3:

F is is -1 state

So, N is in +3 state

in N2O3:

O is in -2 state

Total charge on O= -6

this is balanced by 2 N

So,

oxidation state of N = +3

in NO:

O is in -2 state

So, N is in +2 state

in NO2-:

O is in -2 state

there is -1 charge on molecule

So, N is in +3 state

in H2NNH2

H is in +1 state

there are 4 H

So, sum of charge on H = +4

this is balanced by 2 N

So, oxidation state of N is -2

in NO2:

O is in -2 state

So, N is in +4 state