Predict the products of reducing the following molecules. In each case, identify the product that will result from the minimal decrease in oxidation state for the highlighted carbon atom:

In organic chemistry, the reduction is the process through which an atom obtains protons and electrons.

Since it's a reduction process, it usually destroys existing C-O bonds.

The starting material is ethanal, an aldehyde with a carbonyl group that can be reduced.

Because of two bonds with more electronegative atoms and one bond with a less electronegative atom, it has an oxidation state of+1.

It is converted to primary alcohol during the reduction process.

We're familiar with that type of organization.

It now has two bonds, one with a more electronegative atom and the other with a less electronegative atom. This indicates that its oxidation state has changed to -1.

Reaction (a)

The starting material is 2-propanone, a ketone with a carbonyl group that can be reduced.

It will have an oxidation state of +2 because it has two bonds with a more electronegative element, oxygen.

As a result of the reduction process,

It will have an oxidation state 0 due to its single bonds, one with each more electronegative and electropositive atom.

Reaction (b)

The starting material is ethanoic acid, which is a carboxylic acid with a carboxyl group that can be reduced.

It will have an oxidation state of +3 because it has three bonds with a more electronegative element, oxygen.

Ethanal, an aldehyde, is the end product of this reduction process.

Because of two bonds with more electronegative atoms and one bond with a less electronegative atom, it has an oxidation state of+1.

Reaction (c)