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

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 5e

Textbook Question

Calculate the oxidation numbers for the indicated atoms.
(e)

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the atom for which you need to calculate the oxidation number. In the image, the arrow points to a carbon atom in the benzene ring.

Understand the general rules for assigning oxidation numbers: typically, hydrogen is +1, oxygen is -2, and carbon can vary depending on its bonding environment.

Consider the bonding environment of the carbon atom in question. In a benzene ring, each carbon is bonded to one hydrogen and two other carbons. The carbon atom in question is also bonded to the carbonyl group.

Apply the rule that in a neutral molecule, the sum of oxidation numbers must equal zero. Calculate the oxidation number of the carbon atom by considering its bonds: it shares electrons with adjacent carbon atoms and hydrogen.

Use the concept that in a covalent bond, electrons are assigned to the more electronegative atom. In the benzene ring, carbon-carbon bonds are shared equally, while the carbon-hydrogen bond assigns electrons to carbon. Calculate the oxidation number based on these assignments.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Oxidation Number

The oxidation number is a theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a molecule, representing the number of electrons lost or gained by the atom. It helps in understanding electron transfer in redox reactions. For organic compounds, it is calculated by considering the electronegativity of atoms and the bonding environment, with more electronegative atoms assigned negative oxidation states.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. It plays a crucial role in determining oxidation numbers, as more electronegative atoms will attract shared electrons, affecting the oxidation state of the atoms involved. In organic molecules, oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, influencing the oxidation states of adjacent atoms.

Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that have characteristic properties and reactivity. In the given structure, the carboxylic acid group (COOH) and the phenyl group (aromatic ring) are present. Understanding these groups helps in predicting the behavior of the molecule, including the distribution of electrons and the calculation of oxidation numbers for specific atoms.

Watch next

Master General Features of Redox with a bite sized video explanation from Johnny

Start learning