OCHEM - Oxidation and Reduction Reactions

Oxidizing agent

accepts electrons from another species. Because it is gaining electrons, it is said to be reduced… HIGH oxidation states

Level 0 oxidation

alkanes

Level 1 oxidation

alcohols, alkyl halides, amines

Level 2 oxidation

aldehydes, ketones, imines

Level 3 oxidation

carboxylic acids, anhydrides, esters, amides

Level 4 oxidation

(four bonds to heteroatoms) carbon dioxide

Common themes of oxidizing agents

often contain metals bonded to a large number of oxygen atoms

Reducing agents

donates electrons and are oxidized in the process. low electronegativity and ionization energy. increases number of bonds to H and decreases number of bonds to C, O, N, halides

Common theme of reducing agents

include Na, Mg, Al, and Zn because of low electronegativities and ionization energies

NaH, CaH₂, LiAlH₄, NaBH₄ because they contain the H^- ion

Chemoselectivity

preferential rxn of one functional group in the presence of other functional groups

Redox reagent reactive location

acts on highest priority functional group