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

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-)

LEO the lion goes “GER”!

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

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?)