Balancing Redox Reactions w/ Cyanide: Assigning Oxidation States

In summary, a redox reaction is a chemical reaction where the oxidation states of atoms change. Balancing redox reactions is important to maintain overall charge balance. Oxidation states are assigned based on electronegativity and valence electrons. Cyanide is used as a strong reducing agent and to form stable complexes in redox reactions. When balancing redox reactions with cyanide, it is important to identify the oxidized and reduced species, assign oxidation states, balance the half-reactions, add enough cyanide ions, simplify the reaction, and check for overall balance.
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gradeaswimr
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i have to balance a redox reaction that contains the cyanide ion and other stuff. but before i can do anything, i have to assign oxidation states. would hte CN- have oxidation states of C being +4 and N being -5? so then would CNO- have C be +4, N be -2, and O be -2?
 
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Yes, you are correct. The oxidation state of carbon in cyanide (CN-) is +2, and the oxidation state of nitrogen is -3. In the compound CNO-, the oxidation state of carbon would be +2, nitrogen would be +1, and oxygen would be -2. It is important to assign oxidation states correctly in order to properly balance the redox reaction.
 

What is a redox reaction?

A redox reaction, also known as an oxidation-reduction reaction, is a chemical reaction in which the oxidation states of atoms are changed. One atom loses electrons (oxidation) while another atom gains electrons (reduction).

What is the purpose of balancing redox reactions?

The purpose of balancing redox reactions is to ensure that the number of electrons lost in the oxidation half-reaction is equal to the number of electrons gained in the reduction half-reaction. This maintains the overall charge balance of the reaction.

How do you assign oxidation states?

Oxidation states are assigned to atoms based on their electronegativity and the number of valence electrons they have. In a neutral molecule, the sum of all oxidation states must equal zero, and in an ion, the sum must equal the ion's charge.

What is the role of cyanide in balancing redox reactions?

Cyanide is a strong reducing agent and is often used in redox reactions to donate electrons and balance out the oxidation states. It also forms a stable complex with many transition metals, making it useful in redox reactions involving these elements.

What are some tips for balancing redox reactions with cyanide?

1. Identify the oxidized and reduced species in the reaction.2. Assign oxidation states to all atoms in the reaction.3. Balance the atoms and charges in the half-reactions.4. Add enough cyanide ions to the reaction to balance out the oxidation states.5. Simplify the reaction by cancelling out any common species.6. Check that the overall charge and number of atoms are balanced.

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