Oxidation States

Definition

Oxidation states are the measure of the degree of oxidation of an atom in a chemical compound. They represent the number of electrons an atom has lost or gained compared to a neutral atom, and are used to describe the chemical bonding in compounds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oxidation states are represented by an integer, which can be positive, negative, or zero, and are written with a superscript or preceded by a sign.
2. The sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in a neutral compound is always zero, while in polyatomic ions, the sum equals the charge of the ion.
3. Oxidation states are important in understanding chemical formulas, as they help determine the number and type of bonds between atoms.
4. The structure and general properties of nonmetals, such as their tendency to form covalent bonds, are closely related to their oxidation states.
5. Phosphorus, a nonmetal, can exhibit various oxidation states ranging from -3 to +5, which affects its occurrence, preparation, and properties.

Review Questions

• Explain how oxidation states are determined and their significance in understanding chemical formulas.
  • Oxidation states represent the degree of oxidation of an atom in a chemical compound, indicating the number of electrons it has lost or gained compared to a neutral atom. The sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in a neutral compound is always zero, while in polyatomic ions, the sum equals the charge of the ion. Knowing the oxidation states of atoms is crucial for understanding the chemical bonding and composition of a compound, as it helps determine the number and type of bonds between atoms.
• Describe the relationship between oxidation states and the structure and general properties of nonmetals.
  • The structure and general properties of nonmetals, such as their tendency to form covalent bonds, are closely related to their oxidation states. Nonmetals typically exhibit a wide range of oxidation states, which can influence their chemical reactivity, bonding patterns, and the stability of their compounds. For example, the element phosphorus, a nonmetal, can exhibit oxidation states ranging from -3 to +5, which affects its occurrence, preparation, and properties in various chemical systems.
• Analyze how the oxidation states of phosphorus impact its occurrence, preparation, and properties.
  • The oxidation states of phosphorus, a nonmetal, play a crucial role in determining its occurrence, preparation, and properties. Phosphorus can exhibit oxidation states ranging from -3 to +5, with the most common being +5 in its pentavalent compounds. These different oxidation states affect the stability, reactivity, and applications of phosphorus-containing compounds. For instance, the +5 oxidation state is prevalent in phosphates, which are important in various biological and industrial processes, while the -3 oxidation state is found in phosphides, which have different chemical and physical properties. Understanding the relationship between the oxidation states of phosphorus and its characteristics is essential for understanding its behavior and uses in various chemical systems.

Related terms

Oxidation:

The process of an atom losing one or more electrons, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state.

Reduction:

The process of an atom gaining one or more electrons, resulting in a decrease in its oxidation state.

Redox Reaction:

A chemical reaction in which one reactant is oxidized (loses electrons) while another is reduced (gains electrons).