Textbook Question
Use oxidation numbers to determine which of the following are redox reactions.
(b)
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13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds
Oxidizing and Reducing Agents
3:45 minutesProblem 44b
Textbook Question
Determine whether the following reactions are redox reactions. If they are, identify whether the molecule has been oxidized or reduced.
(b) 
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the reactants and products in the given chemical reaction. This will help you determine which atoms or groups are involved in the transformation.
Assign oxidation numbers to each atom in the reactants and products. Remember that the oxidation number is a hypothetical charge that an atom would have if all bonds to atoms of different elements were 100% ionic.
Compare the oxidation numbers of each atom in the reactants and products. Look for any changes in the oxidation numbers.
Determine if there is an increase or decrease in oxidation numbers. An increase in oxidation number indicates oxidation, while a decrease indicates reduction.
Conclude whether the reaction is a redox reaction. If there is a change in oxidation numbers, it is a redox reaction. Identify which molecule has been oxidized (increase in oxidation number) and which has been reduced (decrease in oxidation number).
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Video duration:
3mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Redox Reactions
Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between two species. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction refers to the gain of electrons. Identifying redox reactions requires analyzing changes in oxidation states of the reactants and products.
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General Features of Redox
Oxidation States
The oxidation state is a number assigned to an element in a compound that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom. It helps in determining whether a species is oxidized or reduced in a reaction. Changes in oxidation states indicate electron transfer, crucial for identifying redox processes.
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Identifying Oxidized and Reduced Species
To determine which molecule is oxidized or reduced, compare the oxidation states of elements before and after the reaction. The species whose oxidation state increases is oxidized, while the one whose oxidation state decreases is reduced. This analysis is essential for understanding the electron flow in redox reactions.
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