Oxidation state of nitrogen in `H-N equiv C` is

Options

A. -4
B. `+3`
C. -3
D. -2

Answer

To determine the oxidation state of nitrogen in the compound H-N≡C (which is hydrogen isocyanide), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the oxidation states of known elements
In the compound H-N≡C:
- The oxidation state of hydrogen (H) is +1.
- The oxidation state of carbon (C) in a triple bond (as in this case) is typically considered to be 0 in this context.

### Step 2: Set up the equation for the oxidation state
Let the oxidation state of nitrogen (N) be represented as \( x \). The overall charge of the molecule is neutral (0). Therefore, we can set up the equation based on the sum of oxidation states:

\[ \text{Oxidation state of H} + \text{Oxidation state of N} + \text{Oxidation state of C} = 0 \]

Substituting the known values into the equation:

\[ (+1) + x + (0) = 0 \]

### Step 3: Solve for the oxidation state of nitrogen
Now, we can simplify the equation:

\[ 1 + x = 0 \]

To find \( x \), we rearrange the equation:

\[ x = -1 \]

### Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, the oxidation state of nitrogen in H-N≡C is -1.

### Final Answer
The oxidation state of nitrogen in H-N≡C is -1.

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