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How to Identify Redox Reactions

Redox (reduction oxidation) reactions are reaction types introduced in first-year chemistry courses. In these reactions, the oxidation states of two species are altered in a manner that leaves one species with an increased oxidation state and another with a decreased one. Redox reactions are most commonly seen in combustion reactions where oxygen is used as an oxidation agent. Due to their prevalence in both organic and inorganic chemistry, the ability to identify Redox reactions is of great importance.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the oxidation numbers of each species in the reaction by logical deduction, or by looking at the compounds in the chemistry reference guide.

    • 2

      Compare the products and reagents to determine which compounds underwent a chemical change. Compounds that do not undergo a chemical change are not potential actors for a redox process.

    • 3

      Compare the oxidation states of the changed chemical compounds in the products to those in the reagents. Again, these oxidation states are easily found in reference literature. If there has been a change in oxidation states then a redox reaction has occurred.

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