Organic Chemistry: Oxidation and Reduction

Organic Chemistry: Oxidation and ReductionOrganic chemistry tutors may look at the whole picture, including oxidation and reduction. For example, if a material is oxidized, this can occur on any surface, where there is an excess of electrons on the atom. Oxidation and reduction are not the same thing, however.Oxidation occurs when the substance or compound has a higher atomic number than the atom. That is, in addition to having more electrons available, the atom or molecule has extra electron available to make it 'hole' and leave the atom for another atom to fill. Oxygen, for example, is an atom with three extra electrons available to fill a hole. When oxygen atoms are exposed to air, they are able to return to their original atomic states (O=O), so that no extra electrons are lost and they are left with only one electron to do work on the atom of the original element. Atoms with holes have been used to create materials such as plastics, cosmetics, synthetic fabrics, insulation, and metals.Reduction, on the other hand, does not involve holes but rather does not give a free electron to the atom or molecule. Instead, reduction occurs when there is no other choice because all the available electrons have been used up. Since atoms and molecules can lose or gain electrons from many sources, atoms with fewer or more holes can still leave the atom, but will not be able to gain an electron.A chemistry tutor may, at times, choose to study both oxidation and reduction simultaneously. But one should be careful about jumping from one level of understanding to another. If an online organic chemistry tutor is being taught about oxidation and reduction, he or she should be warned that these concepts cannot be learned in one year, but must be learned step by step.A student should be guided in terms of the interaction between two elements in order to develop a better understanding of how material, molecule, or atom may change its current state, whether it is oxidized or reduced . Thus, for example, when an atom is oxidized, it will lose an electron, while a molecule or atom may react to be reduced. A chemical reaction, such as that of water and ammonia, would be considered an example of an atom having an increased electron.Students should be guided in terms of the interaction between two elements in order to develop a better understanding of how a material, molecule, or atom may change its current state, whether it is oxidized or reduced. Thus, for example, when an atom is oxidized, it will lose an electron, while a molecule or atom may react to be reduced. A chemical reaction, such as that of water and ammonia, would be considered an example of an atom having an increased electron.In some cases, materials, compounds, and even cells are damaged through various kinds of chemical reactions, such as in the formation of carcinogens, in the formation of the body, and in certain biological processes. And in some cases, a particular molecule or material can get d amaged when it is placed in the presence of substances that can further damage it. Organic chemistry tutors who are teaching the students the truth about the various mechanisms involved with oxidation and reduction, along with the various types of chemicals, can definitely provide more knowledge to the students.Nevertheless, as an organic chemistry tutor, it is important to point out that it is not the right idea to use the terms oxidation and reduction interchangeably. The correct name is oxidation, as oxidation involves the loss of electrons, whereas reduction does not involve loss of electrons. With these facts in mind, students can now understand the process of oxidation and reduction as well as the different chemical reactions that can occur in these two different levels of the chemical cycle.