Hi All,

 

If I am trying to separate 2 products (dimethyl formamide and triethylamine) from a solvent in a distillation column, would the reaction be reducing or oxidising? Also how can this be any different from any other enviroment? Does it not have to be both oxidising and reducing?

 

Thanks

 

 

I am confused. If you are only separating products why do you need a redox reaction?

 

Distillation is a process by which molecules are separated based on physical properties (specifically their boiling point).

 

Redox reactions are a chemical interaction between a reducing and oxidating agent.

 

Summary:

 

Oxidation is a loss of an electron(s) from a molecule or atom.

Reduction is gain of electrons.

 

Naturally if you have either reduction or oxidation at some location then the opposite must also occur because electrons can't just appear/disappear. I.e. the electron is transferred so compound A is reduced only when compound B is oxidised.

 

 

I am sorry if I have mis-interpreted your question, please explain if I have not answered your question.