In AlH3, what is the oxidation state of hydrogen?

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Multiple Choice

In AlH3, what is the oxidation state of hydrogen?

Explanation:
In many compounds, hydrogen’s oxidation state depends on what it’s bonded to. When hydrogen is bound to a metal, it acts as a hydride with an oxidation state of -1. This comes from the rule that the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound must be zero. In AlH3 there are three hydrogens, each contributing -1, for a total of -3. To balance to zero, aluminum must be +3. This aligns with aluminum’s common oxidation state in such compounds. So the hydrogen in AlH3 has an oxidation state of -1.

In many compounds, hydrogen’s oxidation state depends on what it’s bonded to. When hydrogen is bound to a metal, it acts as a hydride with an oxidation state of -1. This comes from the rule that the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound must be zero. In AlH3 there are three hydrogens, each contributing -1, for a total of -3. To balance to zero, aluminum must be +3. This aligns with aluminum’s common oxidation state in such compounds. So the hydrogen in AlH3 has an oxidation state of -1.

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