Final answer:
In organic chemistry, oxidation signifies the loss of electrons and the addition of oxygen to a molecule, resulting in a change in the oxidation state of carbon atoms. Examples of oxidation include the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes or ketones, where a carbon-hydrogen bond is replaced by a carbon-oxygen bond.
Step-by-step explanation:
In organic chemistry, oxidation signifies the loss of one or more electrons in a chemical reaction. The substance that loses electrons is said to be oxidized. Oxidation can also be defined as the addition of oxygen to a molecule, resulting in a change in the oxidation state of carbon atoms.
For example, when an alcohol is oxidized to an aldehyde or ketone, a carbon-hydrogen bond is replaced by a carbon-oxygen bond. This oxidation of the carbon atom increases its oxidation number. On the other hand, reduction refers to the gain of electrons and a decrease in the oxidation number.