Textbook Question
Which of the reactions studied in this chapter result in oxidation of the organic molecule? Justify your answer.
(c)
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13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds
Oxidizing and Reducing Agents
5:28 minutesProblem 1d,e,f
Textbook Question
Classify each reaction as an oxidation, a reduction, or neither.
(d) 
(e) 
(f) 
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Analyze the first reaction. The starting material is ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), which is reduced to ethane (CH₃CH₃) using LiAlH₄/TiCl₄. Reduction involves the gain of hydrogen or the loss of oxygen. Here, the hydroxyl group (-OH) is removed, and the molecule gains hydrogen atoms, classifying this reaction as a reduction.
Step 2: Examine the second reaction. The starting material is cyclohexene, which reacts with bromine (Br₂) to form a dibromocyclohexane product with two bromine atoms added across the double bond. This is an addition reaction, but it does not involve a change in oxidation state (no gain or loss of hydrogen or oxygen). Therefore, this reaction is classified as neither oxidation nor reduction.
Step 3: Evaluate the third reaction. The starting material is cyclopentanone, which reacts with methanol (CH₃OH) under acidic conditions to form an acetal product. This reaction involves the formation of a new bond between the carbonyl carbon and the methanol molecules, but there is no change in oxidation state. Thus, this reaction is classified as neither oxidation nor reduction.
Step 4: Understand the concepts of oxidation and reduction in organic chemistry. Oxidation typically involves the loss of hydrogen or the gain of oxygen, while reduction involves the gain of hydrogen or the loss of oxygen. Reactions that do not involve these changes are classified as neither.
Step 5: Summarize the classifications: (d) Reduction, (e) Neither, (f) Neither.
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Video duration:
5mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation and reduction are fundamental concepts in organic chemistry that describe the transfer of electrons between species. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state, while reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state. Understanding these processes is crucial for classifying reactions correctly.
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Distinguishing between Oxidation and Reduction
Reagents in Organic Reactions
Reagents such as lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) and titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) are commonly used in organic reactions to facilitate transformations. LiAlH4 is a strong reducing agent that can convert alcohols to alkanes by removing the hydroxyl group and replacing it with hydrogen. Recognizing the role of these reagents helps in predicting the outcome of the reaction.
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Functional Group Transformations
Functional group transformations involve changing one functional group into another during a chemical reaction. In the provided reaction, the hydroxyl group (-OH) of an alcohol is transformed into a hydrogen atom, resulting in the formation of an alkane. Understanding these transformations is essential for predicting the products of organic reactions.
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