8.

Oxidation and Reduction

Definitions of Oxidation and Reduction

1. Gain or Loss of Oxygen
Oxidation is a gain of oxygen.
Reduction is a loss of oxygen
For example:

2. Gain or Loss of Hydrogen

Oxidation is a loss of hydrogen
Reduction is a gain of hydrogen
For example:

3. Gain or Loss of Electrons

Oxidation is a loss of electrons
Reduction is a gain of electrons
OIL – RIG
For example:
CuO + Mg → Cu +MgO Oxidation is loss
Reduction is gain

When electrons are lost of gained there is a change in the oxidation number of the species
involved.

1|Page
8. Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation States (Oxidation Number)

Oxidation state shows the total number of electrons which have been removed from an element
(a positive oxidation state) or added to an element (a negative oxidation state) to get to its present
state.
Oxidation involves an increase in oxidation state
Reduction involves a decrease in oxidation state
Determining Oxidation State
 The oxidation state of an uncombined element is zero.
 The sum of the oxidation states of all the atoms or ions in a neutral compound is zero.
 The sum of the oxidation states of all the atoms in an ion is equal to the charge on the ion.
 The more electronegative element in a substance is given a negative oxidation state. The
less electronegative one is given a positive oxidation state.
 Some elements almost always have the same oxidation states in their compounds
element usual oxidation exceptions
state
Group 1 always +1
metals
Group 2 always +2
metals
Oxygen usually -2 except in peroxides and F2O
Hydrogen usually +1 except in metal hydrides where it is -1 (see
below)
Fluorine always -1
Chlorine usually -1 except in compounds with O or F

Examples of working out oxidation states

What is the oxidation state of chromium in Cr2+?
That's easy! For a simple ion like this, the oxidation state is the charge on the ion - in other
words: +2 (Don't forget the + sign.)

What is the oxidation state of chromium in CrCl3?

This is a neutral compound so the sum of the oxidation states is zero. Chlorine has an oxidation
state of -1. If the oxidation state of chromium is n:

2|Page
8. Oxidation and Reduction

n + 3(-1) = 0
n = +3 (Again, don't forget the + sign!)

What is the oxidation state of chromium in the dichromate ion, Cr2O72-?

The oxidation state of the oxygen is -2, and the sum of the oxidation states is equal to the charge
on the ion. Don't forget that there are 2 chromium atoms present.
2n + 7(-2) = -2
n = +6

Redox Reactions
A redox reaction is a reaction in which both oxidation and reduction occurs. Examples
Zn(s) + CuSO4 (aq) → ZnSO4 (aq) + Cu(s)
Fe2O3 + CO → Fe + CO2

Oxidizing and Reducing Agents

An oxidizing agent, or oxidant, gains electrons and is reduced in a chemical reaction. Also
known as the electron acceptor, the oxidizing agent is normally in one of its higher possible
oxidation states because it will gain electrons and be reduced.
Examples: H2SO4, permanganate (MnO4-), Chromate (CrO42-), dichromate (Cr2O72-), HNO3

A reducing agent, or reductant, loses electrons and is oxidized in a chemical reaction. A reducing
agent is typically in one of its lower possible oxidation states, and is known as the electron
donor. A reducing agent is oxidized.
Examples: sodium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, NaH, CaH2, LiAlH4

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) acts as both an oxidizing and reducing agent.

3|Page
8. Oxidation and Reduction

NB: Colour of ions in various oxidation states

Fe2+ - green
Fe3+ - brown
Cr3+ - green
Cr6+ - orange
Cu2+ - blue
Mn7+ - purple
Mn2+ - colourless

4|Page