https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2016.020
Published: Kem. Ind. 65 (9-10) (2016) 515–518
Paper reference number: KUI-20/2016
Paper type: Professional paper / Chemistry in Teaching
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The Meaning of Oxidation Number

N. Raos

Abstract

The oxidation number of an element in a covalent compound is more or less a conventional property, but despite that, it could be used for much more than for writing redox reactions equations. This is illustrated here by applying it to discriminate metal and non-metal properties of the elements, as well as in finding of a proper distinction between inorganic and organic carbon compounds, defining the latter as reduced carbon compounds. It is also pointed out that it is quite inappropriate to connect organic compounds with living nature, arguing it by the findings of bioinorganic chemistry, and the discovery of organic compounds in meteorites (carbonaceous chondrites).

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Keywords

chemical education, redox reactions, Friedrich Wöhler, abiogenic synthesis