Oxidation States

Oxidation states, also known as oxidation numbers, are a way to track the gain and loss of electrons during a chemical reaction. This is an important part of understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules in a reaction and predicting the products of a reaction. Oxidation states can be used to assign the formal charge of an atom in a molecule, determine the transfer of electrons in a reaction, and identify the type of bonding between atoms. By using oxidation states, scientists can better understand the mechanisms of chemical reactions and design reactants for specific outcomes.