What is the oxidation number of KNO2?

Answer 1

KNO3 has no oxidation number.

However, the individual atoms do each have an oxidation number.

Using oxygen as the 'yardstick' at '-2' ; NB There are exceptions this rule.

There are 3 oxygens, so the oxygen component has an oxidation of 3 x -2 = -6.

So for it to be a neutrally charge molecule the potassium and the nitrogen must sum to +6.

Since potassium only loses one electron its oxidation number is '+1'. It follows that nitrogen must be in oxidation state '+5'

Summarising;-

Potassium(K) = +1

Nitrogen(N) = +5

Oxygen(O) = 3 x -2 = -6

+1+5-6 = 0

NB Nitrogen , like sulphur and phosphorus exhibit various oxidation states.

=

Answer 2

Oxidation number of K is 1+Oxidation number of N is 3+

Oxidation number of O is 2-