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What is the oxidation number of phosphorus in red phosphorus?

What is the oxidation number of phosphorus in red phosphorus?-example-1
User MoCap
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Red phosphorus is a chain compound of the P4 molecule. In this compound each phosphorus is bonded to three phosphorus atoms. The possible oxidation states of phosphorus are +/- 3,5,4.

But, we must keep in mind that the oxidation number of the atoms of a free element is zero. Thus, each atom in the P4 chain has an oxidation number of zero. This is because phosphorus is not combined.

Answer: 4. 0

User Mslot
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