It is suggested that writers avoid defining oxidation (and related terms) as "transfer of electrons" in favor of a definition involving change of oxidation state. The latter formal definition would include reactions like NO3 + CO NO2 + CO2, which are known to proceed via an atom transfer mechanism, and it would allow treatment of redox reactions without commitment to a particular mechanism.
More Information
Citation
Vitz, Ed. J. Chem. Educ.2002 79 397.
Keywords
Electrochemistry; General Chemistry; Mechanisms; Redox Reactions
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