Oxidant: meaning, definitions and examples
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oxidant
[ ˈɒksɪdənt ]
chemical reaction
An oxidant, also known as an oxidizing agent, is a substance that promotes oxidation by accepting electrons from another substance during a chemical reaction. This process plays a crucial role in various reactions, including combustion and respiration. Oxidants are vital in many industrial processes and are used in applications ranging from bleach production to metal ore extraction. They can also play a significant role in biological systems, influencing cellular processes and metabolic pathways.
Synonyms
electron acceptor, oxidizing agent, reactant.
Examples of usage
- Hydrogen peroxide is a common oxidant used for disinfection.
- In the combustion of gasoline, oxygen acts as the oxidant.
- The presence of an oxidant is necessary for rust formation.
- Oxidants can be found in various household cleaning products.
Translations
Translations of the word "oxidant" in other languages:
🇵🇹 oxidante
🇮🇳 ऑक्सीडेंट
🇩🇪 Oxidationsmittel
🇮🇩 oksidan
🇺🇦 оксидант
🇵🇱 utleniacz
🇯🇵 酸化剤
🇫🇷 oxydant
🇪🇸 oxidante
🇹🇷 oksidan
🇰🇷 산화제
🇸🇦 مؤكسد
🇨🇿 oxidační činidlo
🇸🇰 oxidačné činidlo
🇨🇳 氧化剂
🇸🇮 oksidant
🇮🇸 oxíðandi
🇰🇿 оксидант
🇬🇪 ოქსიდანტი
🇦🇿 oksidant
🇲🇽 oxidante
Etymology
The term 'oxidant' originates from the Latin word 'oxydare,' which means 'to make sour or acid' and derives from 'oxygenium,' a term coined in the late 18th century by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier. Lavoisier recognized oxygen as a key element in the process of combustion and oxidation, leading to the understanding of how substances react in the presence of oxygen. The concept of oxidation was further developed in the 19th century, and the term 'oxidizing agent' began to be used to describe substances that caused oxidation in other materials. The modern use of 'oxidant' has evolved to encompass a broader range of substances that can accept electrons, including those not involving oxygen directly. Today, oxidants play a pivotal role in chemistry, biology, and even environmental science, reflecting the historical journey of understanding chemical reactions.