Which element is oxidized in the reaction below? fe (co) 5 (l) + 2hi (g) fe (co) 4i2 (s) + co (g) + h2 (g) ?

Oxidation state of I is (-1) and for CO it is zero. Let's assume that the oxidation state of Fe in Fe (CO) ₄I₂ (s) is x. For whole compound, the charge is zero.

Sum of oxidation numbers in all elements = Charge of the compound.

Here we have 1Fe, 4CO and 2I

hence we can find the oxidation state as;

x + 4*0 + 2 * (-1) = 0

x + 0 - 2 = 0

x = + 2

Hence the oxidation state of Fe in product Fe (CO) ₄I₂ (s) is + 2.

Same as we can find the oxidation state (y) of Fe in Fe (CO) ₅ (s).

y + 5*0 = 0

y = 0

Since oxidation state of Fe increased from 0 to + 2, the oxidized element isFe in the given reaction.