Chapter 2, Problem 47P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The atoms that undergo changes in their oxidation states among the atoms in the given reaction are to be determined and the atoms that are oxidized or reduced are also to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Oxidation of carbon occurs when a less electronegative atom than carbon, from a bond with carbon, is replaced by a more electronegative atom.

Reduction of carbon occurs when a more electronegative atom than carbon, from a bond with carbon, is replaced by a less electronegative atom.

For carbon compound, when number of $\text{C-O}$ bond increases or number of $\text{C-H}$ decreases the oxidation of carbon is observed.

For carbon compound, when number of $\text{C-H}$ bond increases or number of $\text{C-O}$ bond decreases the reduction of carbon is observed.

Decrease in the oxidation number from the reactant side to the product side for an element indicates the reduction process.

Increase in the oxidation number from the reactant side to the product side for an element indicates the oxidation process.