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 4e

Textbook Question

Determine the oxidation number of each carbon indicated by an arrow.
(e)

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the structure: The molecule shown is formaldehyde, with the chemical formula CH2O. The carbon atom is double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

Assign oxidation numbers to hydrogen: In organic compounds, hydrogen is typically assigned an oxidation number of +1.

Assign oxidation numbers to oxygen: Oxygen is typically assigned an oxidation number of -2 in organic compounds.

Calculate the oxidation number for carbon: Let the oxidation number of carbon be x. The sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral molecule must equal zero. Therefore, the equation is: x + 2(+1) + (-2) = 0.

Solve for x: Simplify the equation to find the oxidation number of the carbon atom. This will give you the oxidation number of the carbon atom in formaldehyde.

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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, or oxidation state, is a theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a molecule based on the assumption that electrons in a bond are completely transferred to the more electronegative atom. It helps in understanding the electron distribution in compounds and is crucial for determining redox reactions. Oxidation numbers can be positive, negative, or zero, and they follow specific rules for calculation.

Carbon's Valency and Bonding

Carbon has a valency of four, meaning it can form four covalent bonds with other atoms. The type of bonds (single, double, or triple) and the atoms carbon is bonded to influence its oxidation state. Understanding carbon's bonding behavior is essential for determining its oxidation number in various organic compounds.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. In determining oxidation numbers, the relative electronegativities of the atoms involved are considered; the more electronegative atom is assigned a negative oxidation state, while the less electronegative atom is assigned a positive state. This concept is vital for accurately calculating the oxidation states of carbon in different molecular contexts.

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