Answer:
When an oxygen atom is attached to a carbon atom, the carbon atom becomes more Oxidized.
Explanation:
In chemistry oxidation reduction are defined as,
Oxidation:
Addition of Oxygen
Removal of Hydrogen
Removal of Electrons
Reduction:
Addition of Hydrogen
Removal of Oxygen
Addition of Electrons
Example:
CH₄ + 2 O₂ → CO₂ + 2 H₂O
In above reaction the carbon atom in CH₄ has an oxidation number of -4 as it is bonded to less electronegative atom i.e. Hydrogen while, on product side the oxidation number of Carbon in CO₂ is +4 as it is attached to more electronegative oxygen atom. Hence, the oxidation number has increased from -4 to +4.
Carbon is also oxidized in reference of addition of oxygen and removal of hydrogen as defined above. Therefore, we can say that when an oxygen atom attaches to carbon atom the carbon gets oxidized.
