Question

Draw the Lewis structures for CH3OH, CH2O and HCOOH. Indicate the hybrid orbital used in the sigma bonds for each of the carbon atoms. For which of these compounds is the extent of oxidation the greatest? Explain why

Answer 1

Answer:

See figure 1

Explanation:

For this question, we have to remember that in the lewis structures all atoms must have 8 electrons. And each atom would have a different value of valence electrons:

Carbon => 4

Oxygen=> 6

Hydrogen=> 1

Additionally, for the hybridizations we have to remember that:

$Sp^3$=> 4 single bonds

$Sp^2$=> 1 double bond

$Sp^1$=> 1 double bond

With this in mind, the formaldehyde and formic acid would have $Sp^2$ carbons and the ethanol an $Sp^3$ carbon.

Finally, for the oxidation state. We have to remember that if we have more bonds with oxygen, we will have more oxidation. Therefore, the carbon that has more oxidation is the one in the formic acid (we have several bonds with oxygen).

See figure 1

I hope it helps!