Oxidant

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Oxidant

Oxidant (pronunciation: /ˈɒksɪdənt/), also known as an oxidizing agent, is a substance that has the ability to oxidize other substances — in other words, cause them to lose electrons.

Etymology

The term "oxidant" is derived from the word "oxidation", which in turn comes from the French word "oxydation". This term was first used in the late 18th century to describe the process by which oxygen combines with other elements or compounds.

Definition

An oxidant is a chemical species that accepts electrons from another species. In doing so, the oxidant is reduced while the other species is oxidized. This process is known as a redox reaction.

Related Terms

  • Oxidation: The process or result of oxidizing or being oxidized.
  • Redox: A type of chemical reaction that involves a transfer of electrons between two species.
  • Reduction: The gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion.
  • Electron: A subatomic particle that carries a negative electric charge.
  • Oxidizing agent: A substance that has the ability to oxidize other substances — in other words, cause them to lose electrons.

See Also

  • Antioxidant: A substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products.
  • Free radical: An uncharged molecule (typically highly reactive and short-lived) having an unpaired valence electron.

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