A simple means of calculating the oxidation number of carbon atoms in metabolites is presented. Oxidation numbers are used to show why some reactions but not others require the presence of redox cosubstrates or coenzymes. Oxidation numbers are also used to show why some compounds but not others may be the products of microbial fermentations. Some homework examples are given.
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Citation
Halkides, Christopher J. J. Chem. Educ.2000 77 1428.
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