What is the oxidation-number sum for NH4+?

Study for the ACS Organic Chemistry Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the oxidation-number sum for NH4+?

Explanation:
The oxidation-number sum of a species must equal its overall charge. For NH4+, assign oxidation states: hydrogen is almost always +1 in such compounds, and there are four hydrogens contributing +4. Let nitrogen have oxidation state x. Then x + 4 = +1 (the overall charge), so x = -3. The total of all oxidation numbers is the ion’s charge, +1. Therefore the oxidation-number sum for NH4+ is +1.

The oxidation-number sum of a species must equal its overall charge. For NH4+, assign oxidation states: hydrogen is almost always +1 in such compounds, and there are four hydrogens contributing +4. Let nitrogen have oxidation state x. Then x + 4 = +1 (the overall charge), so x = -3. The total of all oxidation numbers is the ion’s charge, +1. Therefore the oxidation-number sum for NH4+ is +1.

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