Oxidation number of carbon in carbon suboxide `(C_(3)O_(2))` is :

Options

A. `(+2)/(3)`
B. `(+4)/(3)`
C. `+4`
D. `(-4)/(3)`

Answer

To find the oxidation number of carbon in carbon suboxide \((C_3O_2)\), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Assign Variables
Let the oxidation number of carbon be \(x\). Since there are three carbon atoms in the molecule, we can express the total contribution of carbon to the oxidation state as \(3x\).

### Step 2: Consider Oxygen's Contribution
The oxidation state of oxygen is known to be \(-2\). In carbon suboxide, there are two oxygen atoms, so their total contribution to the oxidation state is \(2 \times (-2) = -4\).

### Step 3: Set Up the Equation
The overall charge of the compound is neutral (0). Therefore, we can set up the equation based on the contributions of carbon and oxygen:
\[ 3x + (-4) = 0 \]

### Step 4: Solve for \(x\)
Rearranging the equation gives:
\[ 3x - 4 = 0 \]
\[ 3x = 4 \]
\[ x = \frac{4}{3} \]

### Conclusion
The oxidation number of carbon in carbon suboxide \((C_3O_2)\) is \(\frac{4}{3}\).