Chapter 23.3, Problem 23LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To describe the degree of oxidation of an organic compound.

Concept Introduction: The degree of oxidation corresponds to the oxidation state of the compound. The atoms for which the oxidation state has to be found are considered as “X” and all the other atoms in the compounds will have their fixed oxidation number.

Answer to Problem 23LC

The degree of oxidation is defined as the oxidation state of an atom in the compound.

Explanation of Solution

To determine the oxidation state of a compound some rules have to be followed.

Any element in its free state will have an oxidation state that is equal to zero.

Monoatomic particles will have oxidation numbers the same as that of the net charge.

The oxidation state of the hydrogen atom is +1 but if the hydrogen atom bond with the less electronegative atom, then it shows a -1 oxidation state.

The oxidation state of oxygen is -2 when it binds with the peroxides.

Alkali metals as well as the elements belonging to group 1 will have an oxidation state of +1.

All the elements belonging to group II will have an oxidation state of +2. This shows that the group number will correspond to the oxidation state of an element belonging to that group with some exceptions while some elements will have different oxidation number that is different from the group number.