pKa, oxidation and reduction

what does pK_a show

the pH at which the acid is half-dissociated

equilibrium in terms of pKa for two molecules together in solution

equilibrium shifts towards the most stable conjugate base (lowest pKa)

what does pK_a show

the pH at which the acid is half-dissociated

equilibrium in terms of pKa for two molecules together in solution

equilibrium shifts towards the most stable conjugate base (lowest pKa)

how to deprotonate a molecule

use a base with a higher pKa value

how to protonate a molecule

use an acid with a lower pKa value

what is oxidation level

number of bonds to heteroatoms from the carbon atoms that are part of or attached to the functional group

oxidation in terms of oxidation level

lower to higher level

reduction in terms of oxidation level

higher to lower level

effect of unsaturation on oxidation level

greater degree of unsaturation = higher oxidation level

eg alkenes 1, alkynes 2

oxidation level

0

oxidation level

1

oxidation level

1

oxidation level

1

oxidation level

1

oxidation level

1

oxidation level

1

oxidation level

2

oxidation level

2

oxidation level

2

oxidation level

2

oxidation level

2

oxidation level

3

oxidation level

3

oxidation level

3

oxidation level

3

oxidation level

3

oxidation level

4

to get from alkane → acid anhydride there are 4 oxidation steps

oxidation level

4

oxidation level

4

oxidation level

4

oxidation definition

gain of oxygen/loss of hydrogen/loss of electrons

reduction definition

gain of hydrogen/loss of oxygen/gain of electrons

how are oxidation levels used in terms of changing functional groups

if oxidation levels don’t change then we don’t need to use an oxidation or reduction reaction so no oxidising or reducing agents needed