AllChemicals — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/634-oxidising-agent
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Quick Reference
Also Known As
Oxidant, electron acceptor (redox), oxidising agent, terminal oxidant
What is Oxidising Agent?
A substance that accepts electrons from another substance (the reducing agent) in a redox reaction, causing the other substance to be oxidized. The oxidizing agent itself is reduced in the process. Strong oxidizing agents include F₂, O₂, MnO₄⁻, and Cr₂O₇²⁻.
Properties & Characteristics
An oxidising agent (oxidant) is a substance that accepts electrons from another species (the reducing agent), thereby oxidising it. The oxidising agent itself is reduced in the process. Common oxidising agents: O₂ (standard oxidant in combustion), Cl₂ (halogenating and disinfecting agent), H₂O₂ (bleach, antiseptic), KMnO₄ (Mn(VII) → Mn(II)), K₂Cr₂O₇ (Cr(VI) → Cr(III)), HNO₃ (concentrated, oxidising acid), F₂ (strongest chemical oxidant, E° = +2.87 V).
Uses & Applications
Oxidising agents are used in: disinfection and bleaching (Cl₂, NaOCl, H₂O₂, O₃), industrial oxidation reactions (ethylene → ethylene oxide with O₂, toluene → benzoic acid with KMnO₄), analytical titrations (KMnO₄, K₂Cr₂O₇ for organic matter, iron(II) determination), corrosion protection (passivation by oxidising agents), and energetic materials (oxidisers in explosives and rocket propellants).
Safety Information
Strong oxidising agents react violently with organic materials, metals, and reducing agents. KMnO₄ in contact with organics or H₂SO₄ can cause fire. Concentrated HNO₃ reacts explosively with many organic compounds. Cl₂ is acutely toxic (IDLH = 10 ppm). Store oxidisers separated from fuels, reducing agents, and organic materials.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
SynonymsOxidant, electron acceptor (redox), oxidising agent, terminal oxidant
Frequently Asked Questions
A substance that accepts electrons from another substance (the reducing agent) in a redox reaction, causing the other substance to be oxidized. The oxidizing agent itself is reduced in the process. Strong oxidizing agents include F₂, O₂, MnO₄⁻, and Cr₂O₇²⁻.
Oxidising agents are used in: disinfection and bleaching (Cl₂, NaOCl, H₂O₂, O₃), industrial oxidation reactions (ethylene → ethylene oxide with O₂, toluene → benzoic acid with KMnO₄), analytical titrations (KMnO₄, K₂Cr₂O₇ for organic matter, iron(II) determination), corrosion protection (passivation…
Strong oxidising agents react violently with organic materials, metals, and reducing agents. KMnO₄ in contact with organics or H₂SO₄ can cause fire. Concentrated HNO₃ reacts explosively with many organic compounds. Cl₂ is acutely toxic (IDLH = 10 ppm). Store oxidisers separated from fuels, reducing …
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
