Chapter 17, Problem 17.7P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The oxidation state of the carbonyl C and O atoms in both the reactant and product species of Equation 17-5 is to be calculated. It is to be confirmed which atom’s oxidation state is changing and whether the reactant is undergoing reduction.

Concept introduction:

We can determine whether electrons have been gained or lost by examining the changes to an atom’s oxidation state. To calculate an atom’s oxidation state, two steps are followed:

1. Assign the proper number of valence electrons to the atom.
2. Compare the atom’s assigned valence electrons to the atom’s group number.

If a reactant species has a C atom that gains a bond to H or loses a bond to O during the course of a reaction, that species is typically undergoing reduction.