medium · MCAT chem-phys

In the context of organic redox, the conversion of ethanol (CH_3CH_2OH) to acetaldehyde (CH_3CHO) is considered an oxidation.

Which of the following best justifies this classification based on oxidation state rules?

  1. The carbon atom bonded to oxygen increases its oxidation state.
  2. The overall net charge of the molecule becomes positive.
  3. The oxygen atom itself is oxidized, moving from -2 up to 0 in this step.
  4. The molecule actually gains two hydrogen atoms rather than losing any hydrogens.

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