The carbonyl group can be reduced by addition of a hydride ion (H⁻) and (H⁺) a proton 
. Removal of H⁻ and H⁺ from an alcohol results in a carbonyl group   <IMAGE>


b. In the reaction, indicate which direction represents reduction and which represents oxidation.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional groups involved in the reaction: carbonyl group (C=O) and alcohol (R-OH).
2. Understand that reduction involves the gain of electrons or hydrogen atoms, while oxidation involves the loss of electrons or hydrogen atoms.
3. In the context of the carbonyl group and alcohol, reduction is the process where the carbonyl group (C=O) gains hydrogen atoms to form an alcohol (R-OH).
4. Conversely, oxidation is the process where an alcohol (R-OH) loses hydrogen atoms to form a carbonyl group (C=O).
5. Therefore, the direction from carbonyl to alcohol represents reduction, and the direction from alcohol to carbonyl represents oxidation.

Key Concepts

Reduction and Oxidation

Reduction and oxidation are fundamental chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons. Reduction refers to the gain of electrons or hydrogen, while oxidation involves the loss of electrons or hydrogen. In the context of the carbonyl group, the addition of a hydride ion (H⁻) signifies reduction, as it adds electrons to the carbonyl carbon, converting it to an alcohol.

Carbonyl Group

The carbonyl group (C=O) is a functional group characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. It is a key feature in various organic compounds, including aldehydes and ketones. Understanding the structure and reactivity of the carbonyl group is essential for recognizing how it can be transformed through reduction and oxidation reactions.

Hydride Ion (H⁻) and Proton (H⁺)

A hydride ion (H⁻) is a negatively charged ion consisting of a hydrogen atom with an extra electron, while a proton (H⁺) is a positively charged hydrogen ion. In reduction reactions, the hydride ion acts as a reducing agent, donating electrons to the carbonyl group. Conversely, the removal of H⁻ and H⁺ from an alcohol leads to the formation of a carbonyl group, illustrating the interplay between these species in redox chemistry.