Question

How many electrons are lost when methylbenzene is oxidised to benzoic acid ?

Answer 1

6 electrons are lost.

Explanation:

The oxidation number of carbon on the methyl group is -3.

When oxidised to benzoic acid it becomes +3.

This change releases 6 electrons.

The 1/2 equation becomes:

`C_6H_5-stackrel(color(red)(-3))(C)H_3+2H_2OrarrC_6H_5-stackrel(color(red)(+3))(C)OOH+6H^(+)+color(red)(6e)`

The electrons are taken in by the oxidising agent.