Topic 1.

5: Introduction to oxidation and

reduction
1.5a Define and use the concept of oxidation number
The oxidation number of an element in a chemical species is a measure of the extent
of the oxidation of that element. The more positive the oxidation number the greater
the extent of oxidation. Oxidation number is also a measure of the extent of
reduction of an element. Using oxidation numbers it is possible to decide whether
oxidation or reduction (redox) has occurred. An atom is said to be oxidised when its
oxidation number increases and reduced when its oxidation number decreases.
The oxidation state can be defined as the number of electrons that need to be added
or removed from either a positive/negative ion in order to get a neutral atom.
E.g. Fe2+ needs to gain two electrons for it to become neutral iron atom therefore its
oxidation state is +2.
Task 1.5a Explain what is happening if the oxidation number of
sulfur changes from +4 in SO2 to +6 in SO42-.
Chlorine changes from -1 in chloride to 0 in chlorine,
iron changes from +3 in Fe3+ to +2 in Fe2+,
aluminium changes from + 3 in Al2O3 to zero in aluminium,
carbon changes from +2 in carbon monoxide to +4 in carbon dioxide.
1.5b The strength of oxidising and reducing agents
Oxidising agents causes oxidation. Their strength varies. Some oxidising agents
with their relative strengths are:
F2 > MnO4- > Cl2 > Cr2O72- > Br2 > I2
Reducing agents cause reduction. They too have variable strengths. Some reducing
agents and their strengths are:
Na > Zn > H2
Task 1.5b Use the terms oxidation, reduction, oxidising agent, oxidant, oxidised,
reducing agent reductant, reduced and oxidation number in explaining what is
happening in the following reaction:
Cu2+(aq) + Zn(s) ---> Cu(s) + Zn2+(aq)
1.5c Oxidation, reduction and electron transfer
OILRIG
 Oxidation is the process where electrons are lost.
  Reduction is the process where electrons are gained.
 An oxidising agent is an electron acceptor.
 A reducing agent is an electron donor.
Task 1.5c Explain how metals and halogens might act as oxidants or reductants by
gaining or losing electrons.
1.5d Using ionic half equations
The reaction of acidified potassium manganate (VII) with iron (II) sulphate solution:

Reduction half equation: MnO4-(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e- ------> Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)

Oxidation half equation: Fe2+(aq) -----> Fe3+(aq) + e-

When combining these equations, the number of electrons used must equal the
number formed, therefore the oxidation equation above must be multiplied by 5
MnO4-(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e- ------> Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)
5Fe2+(aq) -----> 5Fe3+(aq) + 5e-
and then the equations must be added together.
MnO4-(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5Fe2+(aq) ------> Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) + 5Fe3+(aq)
In this equation the manganate (VII) is the oxidising agent and the iron (II) is the
reducing agent. The element manganese is reduced and the element iron is oxidised.
Half equations can be balanced as follows:
e.g. balance the equation: NO3- --> NH4+
a) balance oxygen atoms with water
b) balance hydrogen atoms with hydrogen ions
c) balance the charges
a) gives NO3- --> NH4+ + 3H2O
b) gives NO3- + 10H+ --> NH4+ + 3H2O
c) gives 8e- + NO3- + 10H+ --> NH4+ + 3H2O
Task 1.5d.1 constructing half equations
Task 1.5d.2 combining half equations
1.5e Deducing oxidation number
Oxidation number can be calculated by applying a set of rules:
 The oxidation state of all uncombined elements is 0.
  The sum of the oxidation states of each element in an ion is equal to the
charge on the ion.
 In neutral molecules, the algebraic sum of the oxidation numbers is 0.
 The oxidation state of hydrogen is +1 (except when combined with group I
and II metals as hydrides).
 The oxidation state of oxygen is -2 (except in peroxides, OF2 and oxygen
gas).
Task 1.5e Work out the oxidation number of the following:
(a) N in NO, NO2, NO3-
(b) Mn in MnSO4, Mn2O3, MnO4-
(c) As in AsO2-, As2O3, AsO4-
(d) Cr in CrO4-, Cr2O72-, CrO3
(e) I in I-, IO3-, I2

1.5f Oxidation, reduction and changes in oxidation number

MnO4-(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5 Fe2+(aq) ------> Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) + 5 Fe3+(aq)
In the equation above it can be seen that manganese is reduced because its oxidation
number is decreased.
in MnO4- ox no of Mn + ox no of four oxygen atoms = -1
ox no of Mn + 4*(-2) = -1
ox no of Mn = -1 - 4*(-2) = +7
in Mn2+ ox no of manganese = charge on ion = +2
Therefore manganese has been reduced from ox state +7 to Ox state +2.
In the equation is can also be seen that the oxidation no of iron increases from +2 to
+3 (the charges on the ions) so iron is oxidised