How exactly can you tell the difference between an acid-base reaction and a redox reaction, and, more specifically, how can you tell the difference a base and a reducing agent? Thanks in advance for all the help! 
Acid-Base vs Redox Reactions
- Thread starter mophead4
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How exactly can you tell the difference between an acid-base reaction and a redox reaction, and, more specifically, how can you tell the difference a base and a reducing agent? Thanks in advance for all the help!
In a redox reaction, oxidation states change.
HOOH + Ca -> Ca(OH)2 is a redox reaction, because O went from -1 to -2 and Ca went from 0 to +2.
Ca(OH)2 + 2 HCl -> CaCl2 + 2 H2O is an acid/base reaction because all of the oxidation states stay the same.
When you have a reaction with a carbonyl and I think in general, you can use this to figure out if oxidation or reduction has occurred this way:
HLOG because Hydrogen Loss or Oxygen Gain on the Carbonyl is an oxidation
OR
HGOL because Hydrogen Gain and Oxygen Loss on the carbonyl carbon is a reduction
HLOG because Hydrogen Loss or Oxygen Gain on the Carbonyl is an oxidation
OR
HGOL because Hydrogen Gain and Oxygen Loss on the carbonyl carbon is a reduction
