symbol: $z$
synonyms: charge number, number of electrons transferred
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.09063
Number of electrons transferred in a charge transfer reaction between an electrode and a single entity (ion, radical-ion, or molecule) of an electroactive substance, whose identity must be specified.
Notes:
- The apparent number of electrons transferred, \(z_{\rm{app}}\), represents the experimentally measured number of electrons transferred between an electrode and one electroactive substance species, whose identity must be specified. When the electrooxidation or electroreduction of a substance \(\ce{B}\) is accompanied by chemical processes, such as the catalyzed or induced reduction of a second substance, or a side reaction that consumes \(\ce{B}\) or an intermediate, the value of \(z_{\rm{app}}\) will differ from that of \(z\).
- Symbol \(n\) is commonly used when there is no risk of confusion with an amount of substance.
- Charge number is used in in the IUPAC Green Book.