The sum of the oxidation states of all the carbon atoms present in the compound `C_(6)H_(5)CHO` is :

Options

A. `-4`
B. 3
C. `+5`
D. `4//7`

Explanation

To find the sum of the oxidation states of all the carbon atoms in the compound \( C_6H_5CHO \) (benzaldehyde), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the structure of the compound
The compound \( C_6H_5CHO \) consists of a benzene ring (which contains 6 carbon atoms) and an aldehyde functional group (which contains 1 carbon atom). Therefore, there are a total of 7 carbon atoms in the molecule.

### Step 2: Assign oxidation states
Let’s assign the oxidation state of carbon atoms as \( x \). The oxidation states of hydrogen and oxygen are known: hydrogen is typically +1 and oxygen is -2.

### Step 3: Set up the equation
The overall charge of the molecule is neutral (0). Therefore, we can set up the equation based on the sum of the oxidation states:

\[ \text{Total oxidation state} = \text{(number of carbon atoms)} \times x + \text{(number of hydrogen atoms)} \times (+1) + \text{(oxidation state of oxygen)} = 0 \]

Substituting the values:

\[ 7x + 5(1) + (-2) = 0 \]

### Step 4: Simplify the equation
Now, simplify the equation:

\[ 7x + 5 - 2 = 0 \]
\[ 7x + 3 = 0 \]

### Step 5: Solve for x
Now, solve for \( x \):

\[ 7x = -3 \]
\[ x = -\frac{3}{7} \]

### Step 6: Calculate the total oxidation state for all carbon atoms
Since there are 7 carbon atoms, the total oxidation state for all carbon atoms is:

\[ \text{Total oxidation state} = 7 \times x = 7 \times \left(-\frac{3}{7}\right) = -3 \]

### Final Answer
The sum of the oxidation states of all the carbon atoms present in the compound \( C_6H_5CHO \) is **-3**.

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