Redox Reactions

Redox is the term used for reactions which involve both reduction and oxidation. Oxidation is loss of electrons (OIL) Reduction is gain of electrons (RIG) Oxidising agents are reduced - they gain electrons. Reducing agents are oxidised - they lose electrons.

More reactive metal can replace a less reactive metal. e.g. Fe + CuSO₄ --> FeSO₄ + Cu Sulphate ions in most redox reactions are spectator ions. Fe to FeSO₄ - oxidation so loss of electrons. Fe oxidation state from 0 to +6 so Fe --> Fe²⁺ + 2e⁻ CuSO₄ to Cu - reduction so gain of electrons. Cu oxidation state from +6 to 0 so Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ --> Cu