If a compound is reduced, what is the result?
Fewer C-H bonds
Increased number of C-H bonds
Fewer C-Z bonds
Both increased number of C-H bonds and fewer C-Z bonds
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: Increased number of C-H bonds.
Explanation:
Reduction in chemistry refers to a process where a compound gains electrons or undergoes a decrease in oxidation state. In organic chemistry, reduction usually involves the addition of hydrogen (H₂) or the removal of oxygen (O₂) from a molecule. These changes affect the structure and bonding of the molecule, particularly with respect to carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds and carbon-heteroatom (C-Z) bonds (where Z is an atom other than carbon, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or halogens).
In a typical reduction reaction involving organic compounds:
- Increased Number of C-H Bonds: When a compound undergoes reduction, it often gains hydrogen atoms, which results in the formation of additional carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. This happens, for example, when a carbonyl group (C=O) in a molecule is reduced to an alcohol (C-OH). The oxygen atom is replaced by a hydrogen atom, increasing the number of C-H bonds in the molecule.
- Fewer C-Z Bonds: During reduction, atoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, or halogens (which are part of C-Z bonds) are typically removed. This is especially true when a compound that contains a C=O, C=N, or C-Cl bond is reduced to a more saturated form. For instance, when a ketone is reduced to an alcohol, the C=O bond (a C-Z bond) is replaced by a C-H bond.
In summary, when a compound undergoes reduction, the result is an increase in the number of C-H bonds and a decrease in the number of C-Z bonds, reflecting the overall gain of hydrogen and the loss of other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, or halogens. Thus, the correct response is that the compound will have an increased number of C-H bonds.
