Which class of compounds is most oxidized?
A) alkanes
B) alcohols
C) acids
D) aldehydes
E) ketones

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acids have the highest oxidation state as they contain a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a functional group with an electronegative atom (such as OH or OR). This creates a compound with the maximum number of C-O bonds and minimum number of C-H bonds, making it the most oxidized. Alkanes have the lowest oxidation state as they only contain C-C and C-H bonds. Alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones have intermediate oxidation states with varying degrees of C-O and C-H bonds.

Which Class of Compounds Is Most Oxidized