A Comprehensive List of Oxidizing & Reducing Agents and their Effects

In summary, the conversation discusses the need for a compiled list or link of the actions of various oxidizing and reducing agents, such as LAH, BAH, hydrogen, and potassium permanganate, on different functional groups. It is suggested that if each person contributes information on one reagent, a comprehensive list could be created quickly. The speaker also mentions that a handbook, titled "Handbook of Reagents for Organic Synthesis: Oxidizing and Reducing Agents," compiled by S. Burke, is available with detailed information on the topic.
  • #1
GPhab
25
0
I would be glad if someone compiled a list or atleast provide the link for the actions of various oxidizing and reducing agents like LAH, BAH, hydrogen, potassium permanganate etc. and on the various functional groups. This will be very useful to any organic aficionado and I will be very happy if you even included specific groups the reagent would leave untouched. If each person does it for one reagent, then I guess we will have a huge list in no time.
 
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  • #2


S'been done..

"Handbood of Reagents for Organic Synthesis: Oxidizing and Reducing Agents," S. Burke, ed., John Wiley and Sons, Ltd., 1999, 564 pp.
 
  • #3


Thank you for your interest in compiling a comprehensive list of oxidizing and reducing agents and their effects. I would like to remind you that the effects of these agents can vary depending on the specific conditions, such as temperature, concentration, and reaction environment. Therefore, it may not be possible to provide a complete list that covers all possible scenarios.

However, there are some general trends that can be observed. For example, strong reducing agents like lithium aluminum hydride (LAH) and borane ammonia complex (BAH) are commonly used to reduce carbonyl groups to alcohols, while strong oxidizing agents like potassium permanganate are used to oxidize alcohols to carbonyl groups.

In terms of functional groups, reducing agents tend to have a higher affinity for double or triple bonds, while oxidizing agents are more likely to target functional groups with lone pairs of electrons, such as alcohols and amines.

As you suggested, it would be a valuable resource to have a comprehensive list of the specific effects of each reagent on different functional groups. However, due to the vast number of reagents and their potential effects, it would be a monumental task for one person to compile such a list. It may be more efficient to consult reliable sources, such as textbooks or scientific databases, for specific information on the effects of each reagent on different functional groups.

In conclusion, while a comprehensive list of oxidizing and reducing agents and their effects may not be feasible, understanding the general trends and consulting reliable sources can help in predicting the effects of these agents on different functional groups. Thank you for your interest in this topic and for your contributions to the scientific community.
 

1. What is an oxidizing agent?

An oxidizing agent is a substance that accepts electrons in a chemical reaction, causing another substance to lose electrons and become oxidized. This process is known as oxidation, and oxidizing agents are typically characterized by their ability to donate oxygen atoms or accept hydrogen atoms.

2. What is a reducing agent?

A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons in a chemical reaction, causing another substance to gain electrons and become reduced. This process is known as reduction, and reducing agents are typically characterized by their ability to donate hydrogen atoms or accept oxygen atoms.

3. How do oxidizing and reducing agents affect chemical reactions?

Oxidizing and reducing agents play a crucial role in chemical reactions by facilitating the transfer of electrons between substances. This transfer of electrons allows for the formation of new bonds and the creation of new compounds.

4. What are some examples of common oxidizing agents?

Some common oxidizing agents include oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, halogens (such as chlorine and bromine), and nitric acid. Other substances, such as metals in their higher oxidation states, can also act as oxidizing agents.

5. How can you determine if a substance is an oxidizing or reducing agent?

The reactivity of a substance can provide clues as to whether it is an oxidizing or reducing agent. Generally, substances that readily donate electrons and are reduced themselves are reducing agents, while substances that readily accept electrons and are oxidized themselves are oxidizing agents. Additionally, the electronegativity and oxidation state of a substance can also indicate its ability to act as an oxidizing or reducing agent.

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