Abstract:

In this paper, the different ideas about the concept of the oxidation number in domestic chemistry textbooks have been discussed. Based on this, we propose to use the term of specified charge number instead of formal charge number and apparent charge number to describe the oxidation number. Through the interpretation of the definition of the oxidation number, we draw some important inferences and finally introduce our explorations and attempts on the contents of the oxidation number in compiling the inorganic chemistry textbook, and suggest introducing the valence-shell electron number method to determine the oxidation number of elements in inorganic chemistry and general chemistry textbooks.

Key words: Oxidation number, Formal charge number, Apparent charge number, Specified charge number, Inferences, Valence shell electron number