Question #8530d

1 Answer
Maxwell
May 4, 2017

#SnCl_4-> Sn = +4, and Cl = -1#
#PbCl_4->Pb = +4 and Cl = -1#

Explanation:

Before getting started, take a look at this website for general rules for assigning oxidation numbers to atoms. Rules for Assigning Oxidation Numbers

#------------------#

#color(blue)"Step 1: Assign oxidation numbers for each atom. Multiply oxidation number by the number of atoms."#

#SnCl_4#

  • #Sn->"x" ("unknown")#
  • #Cl_4->-1*(4)#

#color(blue)"Step 2: Set up an equation to solve for the unknown."#

For polyatomic ions, the equation would be equal to the charge.
For neutral compounds and molecules, set equation equal to #0#

#color(white)(aaaa)Sn->"x" ("unknown")color(white)(aaaa)Cl_4->-1*(4)#

  • #"x" + (-4) = 0#
  • #"x" - 4 = 0#
  • #"x" = +4#

#x =+4-> color(magenta)"Sn = +4"#

The oxidation numbers for each atom in #SnCl_4# would be #Sn = +4, and Cl = -1#

You would repeat the same steps to solve for the oxidation number for #"Pb"# in #PbCl_4#. If you did the steps correctly, the oxidation number for #Pb# would also be #+4# and #Cl# would have an oxidation number of #-1#.

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