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

Options

A. `N_(2)H_(5)`
B. `NH_(3)`
C. `N_(3)H`
D. `NH_(2)OH`

Answer

To determine which compound has nitrogen exhibiting the highest oxidation state, we will analyze each option step by step.

### Step 1: Analyzing N2H5
1. **Assign oxidation states**: Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be \( x \).
2. **Hydrogen's oxidation state**: Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1.
3. **Equation setup**: The total oxidation state for the compound is zero. Thus, we can write the equation:
\[ 2x + 5(+1) = 0 \]
4. **Solving the equation**:
\[ 2x + 5 = 0 \implies 2x = -5 \implies x = -\frac{5}{2} = -2.5 \]
5. **Result**: The oxidation state of nitrogen in N2H5 is -2.5.

### Step 2: Analyzing NH3
1. **Assign oxidation states**: Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be \( x \).
2. **Hydrogen's oxidation state**: Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1.
3. **Equation setup**: The total oxidation state for the compound is zero. Thus, we can write the equation:
\[ x + 3(+1) = 0 \]
4. **Solving the equation**:
\[ x + 3 = 0 \implies x = -3 \]
5. **Result**: The oxidation state of nitrogen in NH3 is -3.

### Step 3: Analyzing N3H
1. **Assign oxidation states**: Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be \( x \).
2. **Hydrogen's oxidation state**: Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1.
3. **Equation setup**: The total oxidation state for the compound is zero. Thus, we can write the equation:
\[ 3x + 1(+1) = 0 \]
4. **Solving the equation**:
\[ 3x + 1 = 0 \implies 3x = -1 \implies x = -\frac{1}{3} \approx -0.33 \]
5. **Result**: The oxidation state of nitrogen in N3H is approximately -0.33.

### Step 4: Analyzing NH2OH
1. **Assign oxidation states**: Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be \( x \).
2. **Hydrogen's oxidation state**: Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1, and oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.
3. **Equation setup**: The total oxidation state for the compound is zero. Thus, we can write the equation:
\[ x + 2(+1) + (-2) = 0 \]
4. **Solving the equation**:
\[ x + 2 - 2 = 0 \implies x = -1 \]
5. **Result**: The oxidation state of nitrogen in NH2OH is -1.

### Summary of Results:
- N2H5: -2.5
- NH3: -3
- N3H: -0.33
- NH2OH: -1

### Conclusion:
The highest oxidation state of nitrogen among the given compounds is in **N3H**, which is approximately -0.33.