During the positive chemical indication of Benedict's test with an aliphatic aldehyde, the complexed — Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question
Question
During the positive chemical indication of Benedict's test with an aliphatic aldehyde, the complexed copper species undergoes reduction. What is the magnitude of the change in the oxidation state ($\Delta O.S.$) of the Copper atom from the reactant complex to the final red precipitate?
Answer: 1
💡 Solution & Explanation
Benedict's reagent contains cupric ions ($Cu^{2+}$, Oxidation State = +2) complexed with citrate. When reduced by an aldehyde, it forms a red precipitate of cuprous oxide ($Cu_2O$). In $Cu_2O$, copper has an Oxidation State of +1. The change is from +2 to +1. Magnitude of change = $ | 2 - 1 | = 1$.
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