Chapter 14, Problem 7E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the statement, “carbon atom is oxidized in the given reaction,” is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Oxidation is the addition of an electronegative element or the removal of an electropositive element in a chemical reaction.

Reduction is the addition of an electropositive element or the removal of an electronegative element in a chemical reaction.

A chemical reaction in which oxidation process and reduction process take place simultaneously is called a redox reaction.

An oxidizing agent is a substance that has the capacity to oxidize other substances and get reduced in a chemical reaction.

A reducing agent is a substance that has the capacity to reduce other substances and get oxidized in a chemical reaction.

Carbon atoms have four valence electrons. Carbon is the less electronegative element. The carbon atom partially loses its valence electrons to attain the noble gas configuration. The carbon atom is oxidized.

Sulfur is the more electronegative element. The sulphur atom gains electrons to attain the noble gas configuration.

The carbon atom partially shares the valence electrons with the sulphur atom to form a carbon-sulphur covalent bond.