Oxidation State (1) Oxidation state of Carbon The general valence shell electronic configuration of elements of group 14 is ns2 np2 where n is the number of outermost principal shell. These elements can attain inert gas configuration either by losing or gaining 4 electrons forming M4+ or M4- ions. The C4+ ion does not exist firstly because it is a highly charged species … [Read more...] about Chemical Properties of Carbon Family