Is the organic reactant oxidized, reduced, or neither in...

Is the organic reactant oxidized, reduced, or neither in each of the following reactions?
(a) 1 -butyne $+\mathrm{H}_{2} \stackrel{\mathrm{Pt}}{\longrightarrow} 1$ -butene
(b) toluene ${ }_{\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+}, \Delta}^{\mathrm{KMnO}_{4}}$ benzoic acid

Key Concepts

Oxidation

Oxidation in organic chemistry involves the increase in oxidation state of a molecule, typically by the removal of hydrogen atoms or the addition of oxygen atoms. This process changes the bonding environment of the molecule, often converting functional groups to more oxygen-rich forms, and is a key aspect when assessing if a reaction leads to a loss of electrons in the organic reactant.

Reduction

Reduction is the opposite process in which the molecule gains electrons, frequently evidenced by the addition of hydrogen atoms or the removal of oxygen atoms. In organic reactions, the gain of hydrogen (i.e., addition reactions counted as hydrogenation) decreases the oxidation state of the molecule, and it is commonly catalyzed by metals that facilitate the addition of H2 to unsaturated bonds.

Hydrogenation

Hydrogenation is a specific type of reduction reaction where hydrogen molecules are added to double or triple bonds. This addition, typically catalyzed by metals such as platinum or palladium, decreases the degree of unsaturation in a molecule, exemplifying a reduction reaction because the molecule gains hydrogen atoms.

Side-Chain Oxidation in Aromatic Compounds

Side-chain oxidation in aromatic compounds refers to the process where an alkyl group attached to an aromatic ring is oxidized to a more functional group such as a carboxylic acid. This type of transformation involves the increase in oxidation state of the carbon atoms within the side chain and is usually achieved using strong oxidizing agents, which enable the conversion of the alkyl group into a carboxyl group.

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