[StillLearning]

My understanding is that compounds have a neutral charge and therefore have an oxidation number of zero.  Is this correct?

[Astrokel]

hey,

compound doesn't have oxidation number, only atom does. however, compounds have charges and if it is zero, it means it is a neutral species.

[StillLearning]

hey,

compound doesn't have oxidation number, only atom does. however, compounds have charges and if it is zero, it means it is a neutral species.

I thought that if the compound had a charge, then it was an ion and not a compound?  Additionally, I thought that the charge is equal to the oxidation number?  Once again, I'm confused.

[Borek]

I thought that if the compound had a charge, then it was an ion and not a compound?

It was an ion. And you are right that generally when we refer to compounds we mean something uncharged - this can be something like Na⁺/Cl^-, which is a neutral combination of ions.

Additionally, I thought that the charge is equal to the oxidation number?  Once again, I'm confused.

Charge equals ON only for simple ions like Zn²⁺ or Cr³⁺, or S^2-. In the case of composite ions (like SO₄^2-) charge equals sum of ON of all atoms involved.

[StillLearning]

I thought that if the compound had a charge, then it was an ion and not a compound?

It was an ion. And you are right that generally when we refer to compounds we mean something uncharged - this can be something like Na⁺/Cl^-, which is a neutral combination of ions.

Additionally, I thought that the charge is equal to the oxidation number?  Once again, I'm confused.

Charge equals ON only for simple ions like Zn²⁺ or Cr³⁺, or S^2-. In the case of composite ions (like SO₄^2-) charge equals sum of ON of all atoms involved.

Got it.  Much appreciated.    I'm about to post a new thread about another problem that I cant seem to figure out....it's another oxidation state problem, but it's more complex.  Thanks