Examples:
Carbon number | Attached atoms | Sum of oxn nos of attached atoms | C oxidation state |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 3H, 1C | 3(+1) + 1(0) = +3 | -3 |
2 | 2C, 1O | 2(0) + 1(-2) = -2 | +2 |
3 | 3H, 1C | 3(+1) + 1(0) = +3 | -3 |
Carbon number | Attached atoms | Sum of oxn nos of attached atoms | C oxidation state |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 3H, 1C | 3(+1) + 1(0) = +3 | -3 |
2 | 2C, 1H, 1OH | 2(0) + 1(+1) + 1(-1) = 0 | 0 |
3 | 3H, 1C | 3(+1) + 1(0) = +3 | -3 |
The Li: +1, Al: +3, O: -2 and the CH3's are unchanged by this reaction. Changed are C-2 and H. The half reactions, balanced, are:
In this case, the computation indicates a reshuffling of electrons within the molecule, making the two carbons different, but no overall oxidation. This should not be surprising, since water is not easy to oxidize or reduce (sodium metal can reduce it partially to H2).
ORGANIC ENRICHMENT, L. M. SWEETING, 1993, 1997