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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: ayyaddict on April 11, 2012, 10:56:00 PM

Title: Oxidation Number Help
Post by: ayyaddict on April 11, 2012, 10:56:00 PM

So I know that when paired with metals, the oxidation state of Hydrogen is -1, and when paired with nonmetals, the oxidation state of Hydrogen is +1. But what about metalloids? Specifically when paired with Arsenic (AsH₃), will the oxidation state of Arsenic be +3 or -3?

Title: Re: Oxidation Number Help
Post by: JustinCh3m on April 12, 2012, 12:56:04 AM

consider As to be acting as a metal in that situation

Title: Re: Oxidation Number Help
Post by: AWK on April 12, 2012, 01:11:03 AM

Oxidation number, as a rule, is set  using electronegativities: As 2.18, H 2.20 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronegativity)