Redox reactions

Recap of previous knowledge

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Define the terms bond energy, average bond energy.

All bond energies may not be necessary to calculate the enthalpy change of a reaction.
Explain

Redox reactions
Redox is an acronym for reduction and oxidation.
Definition: A Redox reaction is a reaction in which oxidation and reduction take place
simultaneously.
Reduction and oxidation can be defined in four different ways as on the table below:
Reduction
Oxidation
i The gain of hydrogen (except metals) The loss of hydrogen (except metal hydrides)
2NH3(g) N2(g) + 3H2(g).
H2(g) + Cl2(g) 2HCl(g).
ii The loss of oxygen (except fluorine)
The gain of oxygen (except fluorine)
2KClO3(g) 2KCl(g) + 3O2(g).
2CO(g) + O2(g) 2CO2(g).
iii A decrease in oxidation number
An increase in oxidation number
3+
2+
Fe Fe .
Fe2+ Fe3+.
iv The gain of electrons
The loss of electrons
2+
Cu + 2 Cu.
Fe2+ Fe3+ +
The loss or gain of hydrogen or oxygen is the main method to identify a redox reaction in
organic chemistry.
Ex: check-up 1 page 112
Everyday importance of redox reactions:
- Photosynthesis is a redox reaction that provides food for the whole world
- Respiration is a redox reaction that keeps us alive
- Combustion is a redox reaction that provides energy to prepare our food and run our engines.
Most accepted definition of reduction and oxidation.
The definition of electron transfer is extended to include reactions involving ions.

Definition: Reduction is the gain of electrons.

Definition: Oxidation is the loss of electrons.
The acronym LEOGER can be used to memorise.
Definition: Half equation is defined as an equation in a redox reaction that shows either
reduction or oxidation.
Examples of half equation:
Oxidation: Al Al3+ + 3
Reduction: Cu2+ + 2 Cu
Balancing simple half equations then overall equations
Construct a balanced ionic equation for the half equations below:
Mn7+ Mn2+
Cr3+ Cr6+
Hence balance the equation:
Mn7+ + Cr3+ Mn2+ + Cr6+.