Oxidizing Definition and 23 Threads

Redox (reduction–oxidation, pronunciation: RED-oks or REE-doks) is a type of chemical reaction in which the oxidation states of atoms are changed. Redox reactions are characterized by the actual or formal transfer of electrons between chemical species, most often with one species (the reducing agent) undergoing oxidation (losing electrons) while another species (the oxidizing agent) undergoes reduction (gains electrons). The chemical species from which the electron is removed is said to have been oxidized, while the chemical species to which the electron is added is said to have been reduced. In other words:

Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in the oxidation state of an atom, an ion, or of certain atoms in a molecule.
Reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in the oxidation state of an atom, an ion, or of certain atoms in a molecule (a reduction in oxidation state).Many reactions in organic chemistry are redox reactions due to changes in oxidation states but without distinct electron transfer. For example, during the combustion of wood with molecular oxygen, the oxidation state of carbon atoms in the wood increases and that of oxygen atoms decreases as carbon dioxide and water are formed. The oxygen atoms undergo reduction, formally gaining electrons, while the carbon atoms undergo oxidation, losing electrons. Thus oxygen is the oxidizing agent and carbon is the reducing agent in this reaction.Although oxidation reactions are commonly associated with the formation of oxides from oxygen molecules, oxygen is not necessarily included in such reactions, as other chemical species can serve the same function.Redox reactions can occur relatively slowly, as in the formation of rust, or much more rapidly, as in the case of burning fuel. There are simple redox processes, such as the oxidation of carbon to yield carbon dioxide (CO2) or the reduction of carbon by hydrogen to yield methane (CH4), and more complex processes such as the oxidation of glucose (C6H12O6) in the human body. Analysis of bond energies and ionization energies in water allow calculation of the redox potentials.

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  1. Sebastiaan

    Nitrogen Oxidizing properties at high temperature

    DiNitrogen is very unreactive due to the tripple bond it has, but what happens if it heated to very high temperature and bonds are broken? does it start behaving as a strong oxidiser. I could not find iinformation on at which temperature this happens but let's assume 3500K in a Tunston reactor...
  2. KarolinaPL

    Oxidizing Agents: Antibacterial Properties & Destruction of Bacteria

    why are they antibacterial, how they destroy bacterias? they just decompose organic molecules?
  3. Theoden

    Solving the Mystery of White Crusty Substance After H2O2 Use

    Hi, I have just concentrated some H2O2 from a diluted 3% concentration. I used it on a copper scrubbing pad earlier to test how well it would oxidize; but now there is a white, crusty substance where the H2O2 used to be. I then tested it on different surfaces, but every time it dries I get the...
  4. B

    Chemistry How to calculate number of moles of H2O2 oxidized

    Homework Statement How many moles of hydrogen peroxide will be oxidized by 0.0045 moles of potassium permanganate in acidic solution? I am unable to think of how you get started? Homework Equations [/B] n - m/mmThe Attempt at a Solution I've balanced the equation for an acidic solution...
  5. caters

    Why is my stainless steel spoon oxidizing?

    I noticed on 1 of my stainless steel spoons that a film of Iron(II) oxide(which is a black rust) formed. I have been taught that stainless steel will not rust. So why would a stainless steel spoon be oxidizing?
  6. Drakkith

    Understanding Oxidizing Agents in 2CuO + C

    Homework Statement Which substance is the oxidizing agent in this reaction? 2CuO + C = 2Cu + CO2 Homework Equations 2CuO + C = 2Cu + CO2 The Attempt at a Solution According to the online program I'm using for homework, CuO is the oxidizing agent, but I don't understand why. The oxidizing...
  7. S

    What Determines the Oxidizing and Reducing Agents in a Chemical Reaction?

    Homework Statement Identify the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent. 5Ag(s) + MnO4-(aq) + H+(aq) >>> 5Ag+(aq) + Mn2+(aq) + H2O(l) Homework Equations Increase of electrons is reduction caused by a reducing agent. Decrease of electrons is oxidation caused by an oxidizing agent. The...
  8. T

    Looking for oxidizing color-changing material

    Hi, I wonder if there is a material or paint/dye that would change color when exposed to air? Ideally, it should have the following properties: White-to-black, black-to-white, or any other high contrast color transition (e.g, yellow-to-brown would work too) Works under normal conditions...
  9. T

    Definition of an oxidizing agent

    Hello everyone, This may seem like a weird question, but today I had a discussion with my teacher in which I won't give up so easily. There was a test question that went like this: "A + 2 H+ + 2 e- ---> B Use this half-reaction to define whether A is a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent."...
  10. supak111

    Fastest oxidizing meterials? that are cheap to deoxidizing?

    I'm looking for some fast oxidizing materials that are cheap to deoxidize. For example: For my experiment I could use aluminum since it oxidizes very fast, but "aluminum oxide" is pretty expensive to turn back to aluminum as far as I know. What other material attracts oxygen and (oxidizes...
  11. R

    Elements that can be oxidizing AND reducing agents?

    Hello people, so there is a gr.11 chem question that I've been struggling with... a) Identify three oxidizing agents (other than Fe2+) from the redox table that can also react as reducing agents. b)try to explain this suprising behavior. so, any ideas? i have a redox table in my textbook...
  12. S

    Identify the oxidizing agent and reducing agent

    Homework Statement Sn(s)+NO3--->SnO2(s)+NO(g)Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution 0 |+5 ,-2| |+4,-2| |+2,-2| Sn(s)+NO3--->SnO2(s)+NO(g) Sn lost 4e reducing agent N gain 3e oxidizing agent is that right? What about oxygen?? do...
  13. R

    Oxidizing iron bacteria made to work in reverse

    My employer operates a biological water filtration plant. The first stage of filtration has the raw water passing through a filter embedded with bacteria, the processes used here is aerated biological treatment where oxidizing processes (bio-oxidation) are used and the microbes gain energy when...
  14. C

    Redox Reactions: Sulphuric Acid as an Oxidizing Agent

    Hi there, I have some trouble understanding redox reactions. Here is the question: Sulphuric acid is one of the strongest inorganic acides which in some reaction shows oxidation properties. In which of reactions below, sulphuric acid acts as oxidating tool? A. \text{H}_2{SO}_4 +...
  15. G

    A Comprehensive List of Oxidizing & Reducing Agents and their Effects

    I would be glad if someone compiled a list or atleast provide the link for the actions of various oxidizing and reducing agents like LAH, BAH, hydrogen, potassium permanganate etc. and on the various functional groups. This will be very useful to any organic aficionado and I will be very happy...
  16. T

    Reaction for G-3-P oxidizing to 1,3-BPG

    okay, so here's another question: the reaction for G-3-P oxidizing to 1,3-BPG is: G-3-P + NAD+ + Pi --> 1,3-BPG + NADH + H+. I understand that the hydride ion leaves G-3-P and donates two electrons and one proton, which neutralizes the charge on NAD+ and gives NADH. But it is only giving one...
  17. Mk

    Oxidizing power of potassium chlorate vs. nitrate

    I was wondering how much stronger potassium chlorate is vs. potassium nitrate in oxidizing power, and how to look up the information for myself next time if possible. Thanks :smile:
  18. G

    Oxidizing gas to cheat a fuel-cell based breathalyzer?

    Is it possible to cheat a fuel-cell based breathalyzer with oxidizing gases like nitrous oxide? (For a brief explanation on how these types of breathalyzer works, see http://science.howstuffworks.com/breathalyzer5.htm )
  19. L

    Oxidizing Agent in Metal-Hydrogen Acid Reactions

    When a metal displaces hydrogen from a non-oxidizing strong acid, which substance is the oxidizing agent? Thanks :smile:
  20. A

    Best oxidizing and reducing agent in periodic table

    I need to find the best oxidizing and reducing agent in the periodic table and say why i chose what i chose. I think the best oxidizing agent is Fluorine and the best reducing agent is Lithium I am not sure if my predictions are correct and if they are I don't know how to explain why I...
  21. J

    What is the most reactive metal and ion based on reduction potentials?

    Hi. I have this problem I've been trying for a week and i still can't figure it out: 1. A reacts spontaneously with 1 mol/l BNO3, 1 mol/L D(N03)2 and dilute sulfuric acid. A does not react with 1 mol/L C(N03)2. 2. B does not react spontaneously with any of the the 1 mol/L solutions aove...
  22. D

    Where can you find a list of strong oxidizing agents in the periodic table?

    What part of the periodic table contains elements which behave as strong oxidizing agents?
  23. D

    Benefits of Oxidizing Gold: Rust Prevention & More

    What are the benefits of oxidizing gold? I suppose that prevents it from rusting, but are there any other benefits?
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