Chapter 4: Q.63. (page 128)

Question: Classify each reaction as oxidation, reduction, or neither.
a.
b.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer

The given reaction is an oxidation reaction.
The reaction is neither reduction nor oxidation.

Step by step solution

Oxidation reactions

Oxidation reactions are characterized by the gain of electrons.

To determine if an oxidation reaction occurs in a given reaction, the bonds attached to the carbon atoms in the reactants and products are compared.

The relative number of bonds that must be compared is C-Z (where Z is an atom that is more electronegative than the carbon atom) and C-H bonds.

Oxidation reactions are identified

by the gain of C-Z bonds or
by the loss of C-H bonds.

Reduction reactions

Reduction reactions are characterized by the gain of electrons.

To determine if a reduction reaction is occurring in a given reaction, the relative number of C-Z and C-H bonds attached to the carbon atoms in the reactants and products are compared.

Reduction reactions are identified

by the gain of C-H bonds or
by the loss of C-Z bonds.

Determination of oxidation and reduction reactions

Bromine is a more electronegative element than carbon. Hence, an addition of a bromine atom symbolizes a gain of the C-Z bond. Hence, the given reaction is oxidation.
In the given reaction, one C-Z and one C-H bond are lost. Hence, the given reaction is neither a reduction nor an oxidation reaction.