Question

REDOX REACTION:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ ---> 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy

-Could you tell me which compound is oxidized and which compound is reduced and why? I would really appreciate if you drew it out step-by-step and showed the calculations for each oxidation number.

Answer 1

Redox reactions resulting in the transfer of one or more electrons from one reactant to another

Oxidation = the loss of electrons from a substance

Reduction = the addition of electrons to a substance

When glucose and oxygen are combined, glucose becomes oxidized and loses electrons, giving the formula 6CO2; the oxygen is reduced as it gains water, giving the formula 6H2O; and energy is gained in the process.

In oxidizing the glucose, the cell takes the energy from this chemical process and uses it for ATP synthesis.

The carbon atoms in glucose are being oxidized, and the O2 atoms are being reduced.

C6H12O6 + 6O2 à 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy

Glucose is oxidized because it loses electrons and oxygen is reduced and energy will be generated in the process

Glucose:

C: oxidation number = 0

Oxygen

O2: oxidation number = 0

On the right side,

CO2:

O: oxidation number = -2

C: oxidation number = +4

In the reaction, the oxidation number of C is going from 0 to +4, and the oxidation number of oxygen is going from 0 to -2. C is being oxidized and O is being reduced.