Which one of the following nitrogen oxides has the highest oxidation s

Which one of the following nitrogen oxides has the highest oxidation state of nitrogen?

NO
NO₂
N₂O
N₂O₅
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2018
The correct answer is D) N₂O₅.
To find the oxidation state of nitrogen in each compound, we use the rule that the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound is zero, and oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2 (except in peroxides or when bonded to fluorine).
A) NO: N + (-2) = 0 => Oxidation state of N = +2
B) NO₂: N + 2*(-2) = 0 => N – 4 = 0 => Oxidation state of N = +4
C) N₂O: 2*N + (-2) = 0 => 2*N = 2 => Oxidation state of N = +1
D) N₂O₅: 2*N + 5*(-2) = 0 => 2*N – 10 = 0 => 2*N = 10 => Oxidation state of N = +5
Comparing the oxidation states (+2, +4, +1, +5), the highest is +5 in N₂O₅.
Nitrogen can exist in a wide range of oxidation states, from -3 (in ammonia, NH₃) to +5 (in nitrates, NO₃⁻, and dinitrogen pentoxide, N₂O₅). The oxidation state indicates the degree of oxidation (loss of electrons) or reduction (gain of electrons) of an atom in a chemical compound.
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