Which Elements Are Oxidized? Which Elements Are Reduced? - Wyzant

Subject ZIP Search Search Find an Online Tutor Now Ask Ask a Question For Free Login Chemistry Which elements are oxidized? Which elements are reduced? CH3CH2OH(l)+3O2(g)→3H2O(l)+2CO2(g) Follow • 3 Add comment More Report

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Best Newest Oldest By: Best Newest Oldest The oxidation state of oxygen in O2 is zero. (True for all single elements). The oxidation state of oxygen in CO2 and in H2O is -2. Going from ox state 0 to -2 is gaining electrons = reduction. So what is being oxidized? Hydrogen maintains a +1 oxidation state throughout the reaction, so lets look at C. There are 2C, 6H and 1O in the alcohol. Oxygen is almost always -2 in a compound, hydrogen is almost always +1 in a compound, so lets figure C ox state. 2x + 6(+1) + 1(-2) =0 Ox state of C in alcohol = +2. How about C in CO2? Again, oxygen is -2 in this compound so 2(-2) + x = 0. Carbon has an oxidation state of +4 in carbon dioxide. C goes from oxidation state +2 to +4, meaning it lost electrons = oxidation Upvote • 0 Downvote Add comment More Report CH3-CH2-OH is structurally H3C-CH2-O-H where Hydrogen in -OH (alcohol group) has affinity to be oxidized by Oxygen (O2) in vicinity. After the Hydrogen atom from -OH group gets loose the free electron in -O- pulls the Hydrogen atoms from nearby =CH2 cluster. Thus the Hydrogen atoms in =CH2 are oxidized by Oxygen (O2) in vicinity. Thus free negative charges of -O- and and =C= pulls farther apart Hydrogen atoms from H3C- cluster and then loose Hydrogen atoms from H3C- cluster are oxidized by Oxygen (O2) in vicinity. Then the remaining Oxygen atoms in vicinity couples up with tetravalent carbons, hence the carbons are also oxidized. Only oxygen atoms with highest electron affinity is being reduced. Upvote • 0 Downvote Add comment More Report

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