What is the oxidation state of the carbon atom bonded to the hydroxyl group in isoborneol? What is the oxidation state of the same carbon atom in camphor?
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If you are looking for something specific you should post a specific questions. In general, the oxidations state of ANY atom is almost anything you want to make it. If I am to balance an equation involving camphor or isoborneol, I would look at the average oxidation state of the C atoms. That said, the molecular formula is C10H18O; therefore, to be zero for the molecule, I would assign +1 to H atoms making +18, -2 to the oxygen atom, making +16 overall and that leaves -16 for 10 C atoms or -16/10 = -8/5 for each of the 10 C atoms. Same thing for camphor. If this answer is not satisfactory, please clarify and repost. Please remember that oxidations states is just a book keeping system we use to help us from time to time.
JYD, that is word for word the question in my lab manual for the lab due today. Any chance you are in Orgo Lab at UNC Chapel Hill?
To clarify the question DrBob222, is there a difference between the oxidation states of the other carbons in isoborneol and the carbon bonded to the hydroxyl group? And after oxidation, does a difference exist in camphor as well? Does saying the oxidation state goes from -8/5 to -7/5 adequately sum up the situation?
To clarify the question DrBob222, is there a difference between the oxidation states of the other carbons in isoborneol and the carbon bonded to the hydroxyl group? And after oxidation, does a difference exist in camphor as well? Does saying the oxidation state goes from -8/5 to -7/5 adequately sum up the situation?
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