Oxidising Agent — Definition, Formula, Properties & Uses | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

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.

Key Facts

Term Oxidising Agent

Index All "O" terms

Synonyms Oxidant, electron acceptor (redox), oxidising agent, terminal oxidant

Frequently Asked Questions

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⁻.

What is Oxidising Agent used for?

Is Oxidising Agent hazardous?

More "O" Terms

Octahedral ML₆ Octane Number Octet Rule Octet Rule Oganesson Og Oil Open Sextet Open System Optical Activity Optical Isomers Optical Isomers Orbital ψ(r,θ,φ): quantum wavefunction squared gives probability density

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