Chapter 23.3, Problem 18LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : To explain why the dehydrogenation reaction is an oxidation reaction.

Concept Introduction : Oxidation is the process of losing hydrogen, gaining oxygen, or losing electrons. In dehydrogenation, there will be a loss of hydrogen from the organic compound.

Answer to Problem 18LC

Dehydrogenation involves the loss of hydrogen atoms from the organic compound which is similar to that of oxidation which also involves the loss of hydrogen

This is the reason why dehydrogenation is considered an oxidation reaction.

Explanation of Solution

  $\text{HCOOH}\to {\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}+{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$

In the above equation, the $\text{HCOOH}$ group loose hydrogen, thus making it a dehydrogenation reaction. But, losing hydrogen is also called oxidation. Thus, the above equation is a dehydrogenation as well as an oxidation reaction.

Conclusion

Dehydrogenation reaction is an oxidation reaction because both involve the loss of hydrogen.