chemistry question

[ManBearPig]

so im studying for this quiz and dont understand why this is an oxidation. this is from a practice quiz...i definitely am retarded at chemistry soo that doesnt help. i thought itd be neither a reduction or an oxidation.

thanks

 

[JTalbain]

the two carbons become bound to more electronegative atoms, so those carbons are oxidized.

calculate the oxidation states of each carbon.... you'll find their oxidation numbers increased.

another way to think about it - making more bonds to oxygen is oxidation, making more bonds to hydrogen is reduction.