redox reactions

definition of redox reaction

where one species is oxidised and another must be reduced in any reactions

reduction

gain of electrons

oxidation

loss of electrons

reducing agent

reduces another species, the species itself is being oxidised so gives electrons to another species

oxidising agent

oxidises another species, the species itself is being reduced so removes electrons from another species

disproportionation reaction definition

when an element is both oxidised and reduced in the same redox reaction

the element gains and loses electrons in two different species

how to identify a redox and disproportionation reaction

1. first work out the oxidation states of each element on both sides of the chemical reaction

2. the species that changes oxidation state is involved in the reaction, so has either been reduced or oxidised

3. state the number of electrons lost and gained by each species

4. a reduction in oxidation state = reduction = gain of electrons

5. an increase in oxidation state = oxidation = loss of electrons

6. in an disproportionation reaction, one element in two different species will be both reduced and oxidised.

7. the reducing agent is the species being oxidised

8. the oxidising agent is the species being reduced