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 43a

Textbook Question

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

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 within the problem.

Understand the general rule for calculating oxidation numbers: the oxidation number of a carbon atom is determined by the number of electrons it 'owns' compared to the number of electrons it would own in its elemental state.

Assign oxidation numbers to the atoms directly bonded to the carbon in question. Typically, hydrogen is +1, oxygen is -2, and other carbons are 0. Halogens are usually -1.

Calculate the oxidation number of the carbon atom by considering the bonds it forms. For each bond to a more electronegative atom (like oxygen), subtract 1. For each bond to a less electronegative atom (like hydrogen), add 1. Bonds to other carbons do not affect the oxidation number.

Sum the contributions from each bond to determine the oxidation number of the carbon atom. Remember that the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral molecule must equal zero, and in an ion, it must equal the charge of the ion.

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, reflecting its electron control relative to a neutral atom. It helps determine the electron transfer in redox reactions. For carbon, it varies based on its bonding with other atoms, especially electronegative ones like oxygen.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. It influences the oxidation number calculation, as more electronegative atoms pull electron density away from carbon, increasing its oxidation state. Understanding electronegativity differences is crucial for assigning oxidation numbers accurately.

Bonding and Structure

The type of bonds and molecular structure around a carbon atom affect its oxidation number. Single, double, or triple bonds, as well as the presence of heteroatoms, alter electron distribution. Analyzing the bonding environment helps determine how electrons are shared or transferred, impacting the oxidation state.

Watch next

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

Start learning