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 C6H5CHO, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the structure of the compound
The compound C6H5CHO can be broken down as follows:
- C6H5 represents a phenyl group (C6H5).
- CHO represents an aldehyde functional group (–CHO).

### Step 2: Count the number of carbon atoms
In C6H5CHO, there are a total of 7 carbon atoms:
- 6 from the C6H5 group
- 1 from the CHO group

### Step 3: Assign oxidation states
Let the oxidation state of carbon be represented as \( x \). The oxidation states of hydrogen and oxygen are known:
- Hydrogen (H) has an oxidation state of +1.
- Oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2.

### Step 4: Write the equation for the sum of oxidation states
The total oxidation state for the compound can be expressed as:
\[ \text{Total oxidation state} = 6x + x + 5(+1) + (-2) = 0 \]
This simplifies to:
\[ 7x + 5 - 2 = 0 \]

### Step 5: Simplify the equation
Now, simplify the equation:
\[ 7x + 3 = 0 \]

### Step 6: Solve for \( x \)
Rearranging gives:
\[ 7x = -3 \]
\[ x = -\frac{3}{7} \]

### Step 7: Calculate the total oxidation state of all carbon atoms
Since there are 7 carbon atoms in total, the sum of the oxidation states of all carbon atoms is:
\[ \text{Sum of oxidation states} = 7 \times \left(-\frac{3}{7}\right) = -3 \]

### Final Answer
The sum of the oxidation states of all the carbon atoms present in the compound C6H5CHO is **-3**.

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