An oxidation state (or number) is the difference between the number of electrons associated with an element in a compound and the element itself. It measures how much an element in a compound has been oxidised or reduced (Chemistry Review Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 11–15). Oxidation involves an increase in oxidation state, whereas reduction involves a decrease in oxidation state. It is important to recognise the following key points:
■ The oxidation state of an element is always zero – for example, O2, H2 and C.
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