Oxidation States of Molecules and Atoms and the Relationship with Charges

In summary, the conversation discusses the oxidation states of carbon in ethene and acetylene and the relationship between oxidation states and molecule charges. The speaker questions the correlation between the two and suggests that oxidation numbers should not be taken too seriously as they are more of a tool for balancing equations rather than a true reflection of reality.
  • #1
Zohar
6
1
TL;DR Summary
Oxidation state and charge
Hey, y'all.
I know the oxidation state of a carbon in an ethene is -2 while carbon in Acetylene is -1. As well I know acetylene has more disspating elcetrons due to pai bonds. So how come charges between the acetylene carbon are more negative than in ethene while the carbones oxidations states are more negetive on ethene.

My main question is; Is there any connection between oxidation states and molecules charges areas or they are the absulute opposite?

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  • #2
Don't treat oxidation numbers too seriously, there is no measurable property of an atom that can be used to check them. They are more of an accounting device to help you balance reaction equations than a reflection of the reality.
 

1. What is oxidation state and how is it determined?

Oxidation state is a measure of the degree of oxidation of an atom in a molecule or ion. It is determined by the number of electrons that an atom has gained or lost when it forms a chemical bond with another atom.

2. How does the oxidation state of an atom relate to its charge?

The oxidation state of an atom is directly related to its charge. If an atom has lost electrons, it will have a positive oxidation state and a positive charge. If an atom has gained electrons, it will have a negative oxidation state and a negative charge.

3. Can the oxidation state of an atom change?

Yes, the oxidation state of an atom can change depending on the chemical reaction it is involved in. If an atom gains or loses electrons, its oxidation state will change accordingly.

4. How does the oxidation state of a molecule affect its chemical properties?

The oxidation state of a molecule can greatly affect its chemical properties. It can determine the reactivity of the molecule and its ability to undergo certain chemical reactions. Molecules with higher oxidation states tend to be more reactive and unstable.

5. How are oxidation states used in balancing redox reactions?

Oxidation states are crucial in balancing redox reactions. By assigning oxidation states to each atom in a reaction, one can determine which atoms are being oxidized and reduced. This information is then used to balance the reaction by ensuring that the number of electrons lost in the oxidation half-reaction is equal to the number of electrons gained in the reduction half-reaction.

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