Representación algebraica del método de Kauffman para asignar números de oxidación

AbstractIn this paper a suitable formula for assigning oxidation numbers is presented. The proposed formula is the mathematical expression of Kauffman (1986) method to assign oxidation numbers for organic compounds. However, it is applicable to any chemical system that can be represented by Lewis structures. We discuss a large number of representative systems emphasizing that, by using this formula, there is no need to postulate arbitrary rules or exceptions or “uncommon” oxidation numbers. This formula, as well as being widely applicable, allows to establish a more precise definition of oxidation number in terms of the connectivity of an element in a given chemical system