An oxidizing agent (also called an oxidant, oxidizer or oxidiser) can be defined as a substance that removes electrons from another reactant in a redox chemical reaction. The oxidizing agent is "reduced" by taking electrons onto itself and the reactant is "oxidized" by having its electrons taken away. Oxygen is the prime example of an oxidizing agent, but it is only one among many.
In simple terms:
- The oxidizing agent is reduced.
- The reducing agent is oxidized.
- All atoms in a molecule can be assigned an oxidation number. This number changes when an oxidant acts on a substrate.
- Redox reactions occur when oxidation states of the reactants change.
Read more about Oxidizing Agent: Example of Oxidation, Electron Acceptor, Dangerous Materials Definition, Common Oxidizing Agents, Common Oxidizing Agents and Their Products
Famous quotes containing the word agent:
“The childless experts on child raising also bring tears of laughter to my eyes when they say, “I love children because they’re so honest.” There is not an agent in the CIA or the KGB who knows how to conceal the theft of food, how to fake being asleep, or how to forge a parent’s signature like a child.”
—Bill Cosby (20th century)