Question

Calculate the oxidation state of carbon in diamond.

Answer 1

Hint: Carbon in diamond is present in its elemental form.

Step by step solution:
We know that the oxidation state for a given element is defined as a charge that an atom will have if all the bonds were considered as pure ionic bonds. In simpler words, the oxidation state of an element is a completely hypothetical concept.
Diamond as we know consists of tetrahedrally arranged carbon atoms in which each carbon is bonded to four different carbons in a tetrahedral geometry. Also, the bonds associated in diamond are completely covalent bonds and do not contain any ionic character. It forms a three-dimensional network of carbon atoms strongly held together by covalent bonds.
In addition to this, the carbon atoms present in diamond are in their elemental form. As we know, the oxidation state of an element in its elemental form is zero. Hence, the oxidation state of carbon can not be calculated as it is zero in diamond. In order to have an oxidation state other than zero, it should be bonded to other atoms such as oxygen.

Additional information: In graphite also, the oxidation state of the carbon atom is assigned a value of zero. Since carbon in graphite is also present in its free elemental state and is not bonded to any other we element through ionic bonds.

Note: The oxidation state of any element found in its free state is zero. Oxidation state can be negative, positive or even zero.