the textbooks say that it is the amount of electrons lost or gained by an atom in a bond but in a covalent molecule the atoms never technically lose electrons ,instead share them to in such a way to complete their octet.for eg:- In OF2 molecule, it is said that the oxidation state of oxygen is +2 which implies it has lost 2 electrons. However it also must be gaining electrons from the other flourine atoms, right? please help me out with this.
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2The oxidation state is indeed the amount of electrons lost or gained by an atom in case of some highly contrived and artificial process which never really happens. – Ivan Neretin Sep 11 '19 at 13:25
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Whatever we say it is, maybe? – Oscar Lanzi Sep 11 '19 at 14:12
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I don't understand at all – aadhi balaji Sep 11 '19 at 15:42
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For calculation all those bond are treated as if there were ionic. – Mithoron Sep 11 '19 at 16:39