Oxidation is a chemical process in which a substance loses electrons, often accompanied by changes involving oxygen or other chemical species.
Although oxidation was historically associated mainly with reactions involving oxygen, modern chemistry defines it more broadly in terms of the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state. Oxidation commonly occurs alongside reduction, in what is called a redox reaction.
Oxidation occurs throughout everyday life and biology. Examples include metals corroding, foods becoming rancid, and metabolic reactions occurring within cells.
QUICK FACT
Oxidation does not always require oxygen. Oxygen is involved in many familiar oxidation reactions, but it is not required for every oxidation process.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Corrosion: Corrosion is deterioration of a material caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions, often involving oxidation. Oxidation itself is the broader chemical concept.
- Antioxidation: processes or substances that inhibit oxidation.
SEE ALSO
- Antioxidant
- Corrosion
- Reduction
- Oxidative Stress
- Free Radical
- Polymer
- Food packaging
