6.6.3

Redox Reactions

Test yourself

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions are important in many areas of life (e.g. breathalysers). These reactions involve the loss and gain of electrons.

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OIL RIG

  • OIL RIG is a good mnemonic for remembering the difference between oxidation and reduction:
    • Oxidation Is Loss of electrons.
    • Reduction Is Gain of electrons.
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Oxidising agents

  • An oxidising agent oxidises something else.
    • It takes electrons from another compound.
    • This means it gains electrons itself.
    • So an oxidising agent is itself reduced.
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Reducing agents

  • A reducing agent reduces something else.
    • It gives electrons to another compound.
    • This means it loses electrons itself.
    • So a reducing agent itself is oxidised.
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Example

  • A + B → A+ + B
    • Here, B is an oxidising agent.
      • It takes an electron from A, meaning A is oxidised.
      • B is itself reduced.
    • A is a reducing agent.
      • A gives an electron to B, so B is reduced.
      • A is itself oxidised.

Jump to other topics

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2Periodic Trends

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.8Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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