Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds

Oxidizing and Reducing Agents

Organic Chemistry

13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds

Oxidizing and Reducing Agents

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Problem 41b

Textbook Question

Which of the reactions studied in this chapter result in oxidation of the organic molecule? Justify your answer.
(b)

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the type of reaction: The reaction shown is an addition reaction where HBr is added across the double bond of an alkene.

Determine the change in oxidation state: In organic chemistry, oxidation is typically associated with an increase in the number of bonds to oxygen or a decrease in the number of bonds to hydrogen. Here, the alkene is converted to an alkyl bromide.

Analyze the oxidation state of carbon: In the alkene, each carbon of the double bond is bonded to two hydrogens and one carbon. In the product, one of these carbons is now bonded to a bromine atom instead of a hydrogen.

Evaluate the effect of bromine: Bromine is more electronegative than hydrogen, but the addition of bromine does not increase the oxidation state of carbon in the same way that adding oxygen would. Therefore, this reaction does not result in oxidation.

Conclude the analysis: Since the reaction involves the addition of HBr without an increase in the oxidation state of carbon, it is not considered an oxidation reaction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxidation in Organic Chemistry

Oxidation refers to the process where an organic molecule loses electrons, often accompanied by an increase in oxidation state. In organic reactions, this can involve the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen. Understanding the specific changes in oxidation states helps identify which reactions qualify as oxidation.

Common Oxidizing Agents

Oxidizing agents are substances that facilitate the oxidation of organic molecules by accepting electrons. Common examples include potassium permanganate (KMnO4), chromium trioxide (CrO3), and oxygen itself. Recognizing these agents is crucial for determining which reactions lead to oxidation.

Reaction Mechanisms

The mechanism of a reaction describes the step-by-step process by which reactants are converted into products. Understanding the mechanisms of oxidation reactions, including electron transfer and bond breaking/forming, is essential for justifying which reactions result in oxidation of the organic molecule.

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