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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2:44 minutes

Problem 2c

Textbook Question

Identify the following reactions as oxidation or reduction (based on what happens to the organic molecule).
(c)

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Analyze the reaction. The starting material is cyclohexyl chloride (C6H11Cl), and the products are cyclohexene (C6H10), methanol (CH3OH), and sodium chloride (NaCl).

Step 2: Determine the change in the organic molecule. Cyclohexyl chloride loses a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom, forming a double bond in cyclohexene. This indicates a change in the oxidation state of the carbon atoms.

Step 3: Recall the definition of oxidation and reduction. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons or an increase in the number of bonds to electronegative atoms (like oxygen) or the loss of hydrogen. Reduction involves the gain of electrons or an increase in the number of bonds to hydrogen.

Step 4: Evaluate the reaction. In this case, the organic molecule loses hydrogen atoms and forms a double bond, which corresponds to an increase in oxidation state. Therefore, this reaction is classified as an oxidation.

Step 5: Conclude that the reaction is an oxidation based on the changes observed in the organic molecule.

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Key Concepts

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

Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation and reduction are chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons between substances. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state, while reduction involves the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state. Understanding these concepts is crucial for identifying whether a reaction is an oxidation or reduction based on the changes occurring in the organic molecules.

Nucleophilic Substitution

Nucleophilic substitution is a fundamental reaction in organic chemistry where a nucleophile attacks an electrophile, resulting in the replacement of a leaving group. In the provided reaction, methanol acts as a nucleophile, attacking the carbon atom bonded to chlorine, leading to the formation of a new bond and the release of chloride ion. Recognizing this mechanism helps in determining the nature of the reaction.

Electrophiles and Nucleophiles

Electrophiles are electron-deficient species that seek electrons, while nucleophiles are electron-rich species that donate electrons. In the context of the reaction shown, the carbon atom attached to the chlorine atom acts as an electrophile, and methanol serves as a nucleophile. Understanding the roles of these species is essential for analyzing the reaction and determining whether it involves oxidation or reduction.

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