Textbook Question
Are the substances shown in italics undergoing oxidation or reduction?
(c) The biomolecule FADH2 loses hydrogen, becoming FAD.
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Ch.5 Chemical Reactions
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696
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Table of contents
- Ch.4 Introduction to Organic Compounds75
- Ch.5 Chemical Reactions19
- Ch.6 Carbohydrates Life's Sweet Molecules62
- Ch.7 States of Matter and Their Attractive Forces8
- Ch.8 Solution Chemistry Sugar and Water Do Mix4
- Ch.10 Proteins Workers of the Cell89
- Ch.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big Role69
- Ch.12 Food as Fuel An Overview of Metabolism65
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 29c
Are the substances shown in italics undergoing oxidation or reduction?
(c) Wine (containing ethanol, CH3CH2OH) sours to vinegar (CH3COOH).
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the chemical change occurring in the reaction. Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH) is being converted to acetic acid (CH₃COOH).
Determine the oxidation states of the carbon atoms in ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH). The carbon in the -CH₃ group has an oxidation state of -3, and the carbon in the -CH₂OH group has an oxidation state of -1.
Determine the oxidation states of the carbon atoms in acetic acid (CH₃COOH). The carbon in the -CH₃ group remains at -3, but the carbon in the -COOH group has an oxidation state of +3.
Compare the oxidation states of the carbon atom in the -CH₂OH group (from ethanol) and the -COOH group (in acetic acid). The oxidation state increases from -1 to +3, indicating a loss of electrons.
Conclude that the substance undergoing the change (ethanol) is being oxidized, as oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation and reduction are chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons between substances. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons. These processes are often coupled, meaning that when one substance is oxidized, another is reduced. Understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing chemical reactions, such as the conversion of ethanol to acetic acid.
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Reduction of Monosaccharides Example 1
Ethanol to Acetic Acid Conversion
The conversion of ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH) to acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is a classic example of an oxidation reaction. In this process, ethanol is oxidized, losing electrons and forming acetic acid. This transformation is commonly observed in the fermentation process, where ethanol is produced and subsequently oxidized to acetic acid, leading to the souring of wine into vinegar.
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2:17Formation of Hemiacetals and Acetals Concept 2
Role of Oxygen in Oxidation
Oxygen plays a significant role in many oxidation reactions, acting as an electron acceptor. In the case of ethanol oxidation, oxygen from the environment or from other reactants can facilitate the transfer of electrons, promoting the conversion of ethanol to acetic acid. This highlights the importance of oxygen in biological and chemical processes, particularly in fermentation and spoilage reactions.