What is the oxidation number of the carbon shown in bold in the reactant and in the product?
CH₃CH₂CHO + ½O₂(g) $\rightarrow$ CH₃CH₂CO₂H

Question

What is the oxidation number of the carbon shown in bold in the reactant and in the product? CH₃CH₂CHO + ½O₂(g) $\rightarrow$ CH₃CH₂CO₂H

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the reactant, the carbon atom in the aldehyde group (CHO) has an oxidation number of +1 because it is double-bonded to oxygen (which is more electronegative) and single-bonded to two other carbons (which are of the same electronegativity). In the product, the carbon atom in the carboxylic acid group (COOH) has an oxidation number of +3 because it is double-bonded to one oxygen and single-bonded to another oxygen (both more electronegative) and to another carbon.

What Is the Oxidation Number of the Carbon Shown in Bold