The enthalpies of elements in their standard states are taken as zero. The enthalpy of formation of a compound
(a) is always negative
(b) is always positive
(c) may be positive or negative
(d) is never negative
(c)
Combustion of elements to form a compound can be exothermic or endothermic. e.g.,
C+O2→CO2 is exothermic.
whereas, C+2S→CS2 is endothermic.
Hence, enthalpy of formation can be positive or negative.