Oxidation and Reduction Reactions in Organic Chemistry

A variety of approaches to the concept of oxidation and reduction appear in organic textbooks. The method proposed here is different than most published approaches. The oxidation state is calculated by totaling the number of heterogeneous atoms, π-bonds, and rings. A comparison of the oxidation states of reactant and product determine what type of reaction occurred (oxidation, reduction, or neither). By employing this approach, students can examine organic reactions in terms of oxidation and reduction, which can reduce the amount of memorization necessary in an organic course.