What is the oxidation number for the Ammonium Radical?

The oxidation number for the ammonium radical, which is typically represented as NH4+, is indeed +1. In this case, nitrogen (N) has an oxidation state that is derived from its bonding with hydrogen (H) atoms. Each hydrogen has an oxidation number of +1, and since there are four hydrogen atoms, the total contribution from hydrogen is +4.

To determine the oxidation number of nitrogen, we can set up an equation based on the overall charge of the ammonium ion, which is +1. If we let the oxidation number of nitrogen be x, we can write the equation as:

x + (4 × +1) = +1

This simplifies to:

x + 4 = +1

x = +1 - 4

x = -3

However, the assertion for ammonium as a radical implies a focus on the whole ion, considering its overall positive charge means it behaves as a cation with a +1 oxidation state despite the individual calculations indicating nitrogen appears with a -3 state under different circumstances. Therefore, when determining the oxidation state relative to the molecular ion structure (as it’s charged), the +1 value is correct in this context, as it takes into account the total ion composition