Consider the central carbon atom in each of the three molecules below.

(a) One molecule contains a central carbon in its highest possible oxidation state. Which molecule is it, what is its oxidation state, and why is this the highest oxidation state you will ever find a carbon atom in?

(b) One molecule contains a central carbon in its lowest possible oxidation state. Which molecule is it, what is its oxidation state, and why is this the lowest oxidation state you will ever find a carbon atom in?

(c) Which molecule(s) has/have a central carbon atom that satisfies the octet rule?

Transcribed Image Text:

F F-C-F -C F (1) C C-C-C C (2) H H-C-H H (3)