1. Oxidation-Reduction Reactions (Ox-Redox)
examples:
-rusting
-burning wood
-digestion
-photosynthesis

2. Reactions with a loss and a gain of electrons
Coupled reaction- you can’t have one without the other
Oxidation-loss of electrons; substance said to be “oxidized”
Reduction-gain of electrons; substance said to be “reduced”
Biological systems involve the transfer of H atoms (2H+ and 2e-)

3. LEO the lion goes “GER”!

4. Characteristics of Ox-Redox
Oxidation:
Always involves loss of electrons
May involve addition of oxygen
May involve loss of H
Reduction:
Always involves gain of electrons
May involve loss of oxygen
May involve gain of H

5. Oxidation of Alcohols
In organic chemistry, think of Ox-Redox reactions as a loss of H atoms or the addition of oxygen
Oxidation includes an increase in the number of C-O bonds
(see example p. 396 in Timberlake)
Oxidation of a primary alcohol produces an aldehyde
Aldehydes, in turn, oxidize into carboxylic acids
Secondary alcohols oxidize into ketones
Tertiary alcohols do not oxidize (why not?)