Question

Explain the reaction CH₄O → CH₂O.

1) gain of electrons
2) loss of electrons
3) gain of hydrogen atoms
4) loss of hydrogen atoms

Answer 1

The reaction CH₄O to CH₂O involves the loss of hydrogen atoms from methanol to form formaldehyde, which is an oxidation process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction CH₄O → CH₂O represents the oxidation of methanol (CH₄O) to formaldehyde (CH₂O). In this reaction, the molecule loses hydrogen atoms, which is the key characteristic of an oxidation process in organic chemistry. Specifically, two hydrogen atoms are removed from methanol to produce formaldehyde. This loss of hydrogen leads to an increase in the oxidation state of the carbon atom, as it forms more bonds with the more electronegative oxygen atom, thus confirming that oxidation has occurred.

Throughout organic chemical reactions, oxidation can be observed as a gain of oxygen, loss of hydrogen, or loss of electrons. Conversely, reduction involves gain of electrons, loss of oxygen, or gain of hydrogen atoms. Since methanol loses hydrogen atoms to form formaldehyde, it is undergoing oxidation. As such, the correct answer to the student's question would be '4) loss of hydrogen atoms'.