In which of the following compounds, nitrogen exhibits highest oxidation state?

Options

A. `N_(3) H`
B. `NH_(2) OH`
C. `N_(2) H_(4)`
D. `NH_(3)`

Answer

To determine in which of the following compounds nitrogen exhibits the highest oxidation state, we will calculate the oxidation state of nitrogen in each compound: N3H, NH2OH, N2H4, and NH3.

### Step 1: Calculate the oxidation state of nitrogen in N3H
Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be \( x \).
- There are 3 nitrogen atoms, so the contribution from nitrogen is \( 3x \).
- Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1, and there is 1 hydrogen atom, contributing +1.
- The overall charge of the compound is 0.

The equation becomes:
\[ 3x + 1 = 0 \]
Solving for \( x \):
\[ 3x = -1 \]
\[ x = -\frac{1}{3} \]

### Step 2: Calculate the oxidation state of nitrogen in NH2OH
Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be \( x \).
- There is 1 nitrogen atom, contributing \( x \).
- There are 2 hydrogen atoms contributing \( +1 \times 2 = +2 \).
- Oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.
- The overall charge of the compound is 0.

The equation becomes:
\[ x + 2 - 2 = 0 \]
Solving for \( x \):
\[ x = -1 \]

### Step 3: Calculate the oxidation state of nitrogen in N2H4
Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be \( x \).
- There are 2 nitrogen atoms, contributing \( 2x \).
- There are 4 hydrogen atoms contributing \( +1 \times 4 = +4 \).
- The overall charge of the compound is 0.

The equation becomes:
\[ 2x + 4 = 0 \]
Solving for \( x \):
\[ 2x = -4 \]
\[ x = -2 \]

### Step 4: Calculate the oxidation state of nitrogen in NH3
Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be \( x \).
- There is 1 nitrogen atom, contributing \( x \).
- There are 3 hydrogen atoms contributing \( +1 \times 3 = +3 \).
- The overall charge of the compound is 0.

The equation becomes:
\[ x + 3 = 0 \]
Solving for \( x \):
\[ x = -3 \]

### Summary of Oxidation States
- In N3H: \( -\frac{1}{3} \)
- In NH2OH: \( -1 \)
- In N2H4: \( -2 \)
- In NH3: \( -3 \)

### Conclusion
The highest oxidation state of nitrogen among the given compounds is in N3H, where nitrogen exhibits an oxidation state of \( -\frac{1}{3} \).

### Final Answer
**N3H exhibits the highest oxidation state of nitrogen.**