Chapter 19, Problem 34A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The fact that all oxidation reactions do not require oxygen is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Oxidation reaction can be identified by various facts. But the main fact is all oxidation reactions involve loss of electrons. This loss can be identified by an increase in the oxidation number of the species.

Answer to Problem 34A

Oxidation involves:

• Loss of electrons
• Addition of oxygen
• Removal of hydrogen
• Addition of electronegative element
• Removal of an electropositive element
• Increase in oxidation number of the element

If any of the above-mentioned processes are occurring in the reaction, that reaction is an oxidation reaction. Thus, not all oxidation reaction needs to involve oxygen.

Explanation of Solution

To understand the fact let’s take an example:

$\begin{array}{l}\text{F}\text{e}\to \text{F}{\text{e}}^{+3}+3{\text{e}}^{-}\end{array}$

This reaction doesn’t involve oxygen but it is an oxidation reaction because it involves the loss of electrons and an increase in oxidation number.

Conclusion

Thus, the presence of oxygen is not the sole factor for the oxidation reaction.