In `CH_2 Cl_2` the oxidation number of C is

Options

A. `-4`
B. `+2`
C. 0
D. `+4`

Explanation

To find the oxidation number of carbon in the compound \( CH_2Cl_2 \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Assign oxidation states
- Let the oxidation state of carbon be \( x \).
- The oxidation state of hydrogen (H) is +1.
- The oxidation state of chlorine (Cl) is -1.

### Step 2: Write the equation based on the compound
In the compound \( CH_2Cl_2 \), there are:
- 2 hydrogen atoms, contributing \( 2 \times (+1) = +2 \)
- 2 chlorine atoms, contributing \( 2 \times (-1) = -2 \)

### Step 3: Set up the equation
Since the compound is neutral, the sum of the oxidation states must equal zero:
\[ x + 2 + (-2) = 0 \]

### Step 4: Simplify the equation
This simplifies to:
\[ x + 2 - 2 = 0 \\ x + 0 = 0 \\ x = 0 \]

### Step 5: Conclusion
The oxidation number of carbon in \( CH_2Cl_2 \) is \( 0 \).

### Final Answer
The oxidation number of carbon in \( CH_2Cl_2 \) is **0**.

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