Textbook Question
Are the substances shown in italics undergoing oxidation or reduction?
(c) Wine (containing ethanol, CH3CH2OH) sours to vinegar (CH3COOH).
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14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur
Intro to Redox Reactions
1:50 minutesProblem 63b
Textbook Question
Determine whether each of the following organic reactions is an oxidation or a reduction reaction. (Only the organic compounds are shown.)
(b) 
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concepts of oxidation and reduction in organic chemistry. Oxidation typically involves the loss of hydrogen atoms or the gain of oxygen atoms, while reduction involves the gain of hydrogen atoms or the loss of oxygen atoms.
Step 2: Examine the chemical structure of the organic compound before and after the reaction. Look for changes in the number of hydrogen atoms or oxygen atoms attached to the carbon atoms.
Step 3: If the organic compound gains oxygen atoms or loses hydrogen atoms during the reaction, classify the reaction as an oxidation reaction.
Step 4: If the organic compound gains hydrogen atoms or loses oxygen atoms during the reaction, classify the reaction as a reduction reaction.
Step 5: Apply these principles to the specific reaction shown in the image to determine whether it is an oxidation or reduction reaction.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Oxidation and Reduction Reactions
Oxidation and reduction (redox) reactions are chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons between substances. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state, while reduction involves the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state. Understanding these definitions is crucial for identifying whether a reaction is an oxidation or reduction.
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Oxidation States
Oxidation states (or oxidation numbers) are a way to keep track of electron transfer in redox reactions. Each atom in a molecule is assigned an oxidation state based on its electron configuration and bonding. By analyzing the changes in oxidation states of the organic compounds involved in the reaction, one can determine if the reaction is an oxidation or reduction.
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Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry
Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In organic chemistry, the presence of certain functional groups can indicate potential oxidation or reduction reactions. Recognizing these groups helps in predicting how organic compounds will behave during chemical transformations.
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