Electron Transfer Reactions DP IB Chemistry: SL

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to electron transfer reactions, redox chemistry, and electrochemical processes as outlined in the lecture notes.

Oxidising agent

A substance that oxidises another atom or ion by causing it to lose electrons, while itself getting reduced.

Reducing agent

A substance that reduces another atom or ion by causing it to gain electrons, while itself getting oxidised.

Redox reaction

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons between two species, consisting of both oxidation and reduction processes.

Half equation

An equation that shows either the oxidation or reduction process in a redox reaction.

Electrochemical cell

A device that generates electrical energy from chemical reactions or causes chemical changes through the introduction of electricity.

Primary alcohol

An alcohol whose -OH group is attached to a carbon atom bonded to only one other carbon atom.

Secondary alcohol

An alcohol whose -OH group is attached to a carbon atom bonded to two other carbon atoms.

Tertiary alcohol

An alcohol whose -OH group is attached to a carbon atom bonded to three other carbon atoms.

Lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4)

A strong reducing agent used to reduce carboxylic acids and aldehydes to primary alcohols.

Sodium borohydride (NaBH4)

A less reactive reducing agent used to reduce aldehydes and ketones, but not carboxylic acids.

Hydrogenation

The process of adding hydrogen to unsaturated compounds to convert them into saturated compounds.

Electrolysis

A process in which electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, breaking down compounds into their components.

Voltaic cell

An electrochemical cell that generates electricity from spontaneous redox reactions.

Electrolytic cell

An electrochemical cell that consumes electricity to drive chemical reactions.

Manganate(VII) titration

A type of redox titration where manganate(VII) ions are used to determine the concentration of reducing agents.

Iodine-thiosulfate titration

A redox titration that involves the reaction of iodine with thiosulfate ions, commonly used to analyze oxidizing agents.