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 43b

Textbook Question

Calculate the oxidation number for the indicated carbons.
(b)

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the carbon atom for which you need to calculate the oxidation number. In organic molecules, this is often indicated by a specific label or context in the problem.

Determine the number of bonds the carbon atom forms with more electronegative atoms (such as oxygen, nitrogen, or halogens). Each bond to a more electronegative atom increases the oxidation state by +1.

Determine the number of bonds the carbon atom forms with less electronegative atoms (such as hydrogen). Each bond to a less electronegative atom decreases the oxidation state by -1.

Consider any bonds the carbon atom forms with other carbon atoms. These typically do not affect the oxidation state, as the electronegativity is the same.

Sum the contributions from each bond to determine the oxidation number of the carbon atom. Remember that the oxidation number is a formalism and may not represent the actual charge on the atom.

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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, reflecting its electron control relative to a neutral atom. It helps in determining the electron transfer in redox reactions. For carbon, it is calculated by considering the electronegativity of atoms bonded to it and assigning electrons accordingly.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. In organic chemistry, it is crucial for determining the oxidation number, as electrons are assigned to the more electronegative atom in a bond. Carbon's electronegativity is intermediate, affecting its oxidation state in compounds.

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between atoms, leading to changes in oxidation states. Understanding these reactions is essential for calculating oxidation numbers, as they indicate how electrons are distributed in a molecule. In organic chemistry, redox processes are key in metabolic pathways and synthetic transformations.

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