Abstract:

Starting with the definition of oxidation number and the development of its concept, the controversial issues in the teaching of oxidation number were discussed in this paper, and the rule that the positive oxidation number of the element should be less than or equal to the total numbers of valence electrons of the atom was put forward to determine the oxidation number. Additionally, the calculation of oxidation number in the compounds with complex structure and unknown structure has been resolved.

Key words: Oxidation number, Controversial issue, Supplementary rule