What is Oxidation?
Understanding chemical reactions, oxidation, reduction, and the role of hydrogen
Hydrogen
Hydrogen gas (H₂) is a reducing agent, which means it can donate electrons to other substances, reducing their oxidation state.
Scientific Research on Hydrogen Water
There are over 1000 clinical studies on the benefits of hydrogen water. Discover ways to increase your energy, lose weight and promote overall health by adding hydrogen-rich water to your healthy lifestyle.
Oxidation
Oxidants, also known as oxidizing agents, are substances that cause oxidation by accepting electrons from another substance. In the process, the oxidant itself gets reduced.
Key Definitions:
- •Oxidation = loss of electrons
- •Reduction = gain of electrons
A chemical reaction that takes place when a substance comes into contact with oxygen or another oxidizing substance. Examples of oxidation are rust and the brown color on a cut apple. Two key types of chemical reactions are oxidation and reduction.
Clearly, oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom or ion. Oxidation occurs when the oxidation state of a molecule, atom, or ion is increased. The opposite process is called reduction, which occurs when there is a gain of electrons or the oxidation state of an atom, molecule, or ion decreases.
Important Note:
Oxidation doesn't necessarily have anything to do with oxygen! Originally, the term was used when oxygen caused electron loss in a reaction.
Example: Hydrogen and Fluorine Reaction
An example of a reaction is that between hydrogen and fluorine gas to form hydrofluoric acid:
In this reaction, hydrogen is being oxidized and fluorine is being reduced. The reaction may be better understood if it is written in terms of two half-reactions:
Note: There is no oxygen anywhere in this reaction!
Examples of Oxidants
1. Oxygen (O₂)
Reacts with many substances (e.g., metals) to form oxides.
Example:
Oxygen oxidizes magnesium.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂)
Common oxidant in chemical and biological systems.
Example:
3. Potassium Permanganate (KMnO₄)
Strong oxidizing agent in acidic, neutral, or basic solutions.
Example in acidic medium:
4. Chlorine (Cl₂)
Acts as an oxidant by accepting electrons and forming chloride ions.
Example:
Key Takeaways
Oxidation vs Reduction
Oxidation is the loss of electrons, while reduction is the gain of electrons. These processes always occur together in redox reactions.
Hydrogen as Reducing Agent
Hydrogen gas can donate electrons, making it a powerful reducing agent that can counteract oxidation in the body.
Common Oxidants
Oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, and chlorine are all common oxidizing agents found in nature and industry.
Real-World Examples
Common examples include rust formation on metals and the browning of cut apples when exposed to air.