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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: STudyche12 on February 05, 2016, 06:42:16 PM

Title: Redox reactions
Post by: STudyche12 on February 05, 2016, 06:42:16 PM

I'm having trouble understanding redox reactions. I understand that redox reactions are when chemical reactions transfer electrons. Does this mean that rxns like (simple, displacement, combustion) share electrons covalently because they don't transfer their electrons?

What makes redox reactions special?
What are the basic characteristics of redox reactions that make scientists put those reactions in its own category?
What are the main differences between redox reactions and a reaction like a simple displacement reaction?

Title: Re: Redox reactions
Post by: mikasaur on February 05, 2016, 06:51:47 PM

Redox reactions are a broad category of reactions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redox) that contain types of reactions like single displacement reactions.

Like you say, redox reactions are those where electrons are transferred (species change oxidation state). Metal replacements like in single displacement reactions are redox reactions. As are combustions of hydrocarbons.