Organic Chemistry Oxidation Reactions

Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which one compound gains oxygen through a chemical reaction. The end result is formation of a different compound. For example, rust is the result of an oxidation reaction in which iron gains oxygen to form iron oxide. Oxidation of organic compounds, compounds with carbon and hydrogen, provides heat for homes and energy for automobiles. Oxidation also provides the energy for metabolism that allows animals to live.

Oxidation Reactions Combine With Reduction Reactions

• Oxidation reactions are generally associated with a second reaction called reduction, a loss of oxygen. For a compound to pick up oxygen, another compound must provide the oxygen. One good example is oxidation of ethanol using dichromate. The overall reaction is 3C2H5OH (ethanol) + 2Cr2O7 (dichromate) = 4Cr (chromium) + 3Ch3COOH (acetic acid) + 11H2O (water). Dichromate donates the oxygen necessary to oxidize ethanol into acetic acid. Oxidation of the ethanol provides the basis for detection with police breathalyzers.

Oxidation of Simple Organic Compounds

• Methane gas is a natural organic compound composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. It's commonly used as a source of fuel. Burning methane, or combustion, releases energy in the form of heat, producing carbon dioxide and water. Combustion of methane is a simple oxidation reaction. Carbon is oxidized by oxygen in the air and replaces the hydrogen atoms. The summary of the reaction is CH4 (methane) + 2O2 (oxygen) = CO2 (carbon dioxide) + 2H2O (water) + heat energy.

Oxidation Includes Transfer of Energy

• Oxidation reactions generally include a change in energy, and energy is often released in the form of heat. Related to methane combustion is burning gasoline to fuel automobiles. Gasoline is an organic hydrocarbon that consists of eight carbon molecules bound to 18 hydrogen molecules. Oxidation of gasoline is a rapid process and releases carbon dioxide, water and energy. The overall reaction used to fuel automobiles is 2C8H18 (gasoline) + 25O2 (oxygen) = 16CO2 (carbon) + 18 H2O (water) + energy.

Oxidation of Sugars

• Animals need energy to drive metabolism, similar to cars needing energy to move. Energy comes from oxidation of glucose, a simple sugar composed of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Oxidation and the breakdown of glucose molecules is a complex process. However, the end products are carbon dioxide and water. Respiration provides the source of oxygen for oxidizing glucose. Carbon dioxide, a product of glucose oxidation, is exhaled. The overall reaction is C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2 (oxygen) = 6CO2 (carbon dioxide) + 6H2O (water).