C2H6 is oxidized and O2 is reduced. No change in oxidation state for hydrogen H. Please see video for clarification.
Valesia S.
asked 08/13/19In the following redox reaction, which species is being reduced and which is being oxidized?
2 C2H6 (g) + 7 O2 (g) --> 4 CO2 (g) + 6 H2O (g)
I got as far as identifying O2 as the species being reduced (oxidation state decreases) but then I got confused with how C2H6 is being oxidized because the oxidation state for hydrogen decreases and signifies a reduction while the oxidation state for carbon increases, signifying oxidation. Is C2H6 being oxidized and if so, how?
2 Answers By Expert Tutors
J.R. S. answered 08/13/19
Ph.D. University Professor with 10+ years Tutoring Experience
You are correct that O2 is being reduced so it must be that C2H6 is being oxidized. How is this the case. The oxidation state of C in C2H6 is -3 and in CO2 it is +4, so it is oxidized. Not sure why you say oxidation state of H decreases.
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