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Introduction
In the field of chemistry and organic chemistry, many chemical processes and reactions occur. Of these, oxidation is one of the most basic and important. The process and concept of rusting that takes place and which we see around us on a day-to-day basis on various metallic substances results from the oxidation reaction.
Chemically, an electron loss represents the oxidation process. In almost all the cases, different atoms and elements will absorb those electrons and then go under the reduction process. In this module, we will understand and learn about the basic concepts of oxidation, Common Oxidising Agents, and various other chemical terms associated with the topic of oxidation and Oxidising Agents.
What do you mean by Oxidation?
Oxidation in chemistry is a chemical process in which the gain of oxygen, subtraction of an electron, elimination of hydrogen, or an increase in the oxidation number takes place. In easy language, the chemical process of oxidation is said to take place when an ion, an atom, or a molecule loses one or more than one of its electrons in a chemical reaction.
When oxidation occurs, the state of oxidation of chemical elements increases or when the oxidation number of a molecule, atom, or ion increases; this is referred to as oxidation. The inverse oxidation process is termed reduction, and the process of reduction happens when electrons are gained when the oxidation number of an atom, molecule, or ion becomes less.
What do you mean by an Oxidation Agent?
An oxidising agent in chemistry is defined as an atom or a chemical compound that gains electrons. In simple words, an oxidising agent is an agent or an atom that, due to its presence, makes the transfer of oxygen easy from one atom to another to gain an electron.
An oxidising agent acts as an advancer in releasing oxygen or acquiring hydrogen or electrons. As it takes up electrons, the oxidiser is reduced. At the same time, the reactant undergoes oxidation by allowing its electrons to be taken by the oxidiser. Oxidising agents can alternatively be referred to as oxidants or oxidisers.
An oxidising agent gains electrons commonly referred to as an electron acceptor, and at the same time, it is said to be reduced. The oxidising agent is reduced because it absorbs electrons onto itself, whereas the reactant is oxidised. After all, the oxidising agent is pulling electrons away from it.
Example of an Oxidising Agent
Hydrogen peroxide, potassium nitrate, oxygen, ozone, and nitric acid are common examples of oxidising agents. All halogens are oxidising agents (bromine, chlorine, fluorine, etc.)
MnO2 + 4HCl → MnCl2 + Cl2 + 2H2O
In the above equation,
– the substance that is getting oxidised is – HCl
– the oxidising agent is – MnO2
Some common oxidising agents are:
- Peroxy disulfuric acid (H2S2O8)
- Potassium nitrate (KNO3)
- Sulphuric acid (H2SO4)
- Nitrous oxide (N2O)
- Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
- Oxygen (O2)
- Magnesium Oxide (MnO2)
Difference between an Oxidising Agent and a Reducing Agent
Oxidising Agent | Reducing Agent |
It obtains electrons and undergoes reduction. | It loses electrons and undergoes oxidation. |
There is a decrease in the state of oxidation. | There is an increase in the state of oxidation. |
It acts as a receiver of electron, electrons. | It acts as a giver or donor of electron, electrons. |
Undergoes reduction. | Undergoes oxidation. |
Helps another reactant to undergo oxidation. | Helps another reactant to undergo reduction. |
For example- Sulphuric acid (H2SO4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Oxygen (O2), etc. | For example- Carbon (C), Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrogen (H2), Metals, etc. |
Applications of Oxidising Agents
- Oxidising agents are used in a wide range of commercial and industrial fields. Some of their applications are:
- It helps to purify water.
- It helps increase the elasticity and strength of rubber; this is commonly called vulcanisation of the rubber.
- Fabrics are also bleached with the help of some oxidising agents.
- The energy inside the batteries is also stored due to the help of oxidising agents.
- Oxidants do combustion of fuel.
- Oxidising agents carry out photosynthesis and metabolism activities.
The Best Oxidising Agent
Fluorine is considered the most powerful common oxidising agent. Asbestos, quartz, metals, and even water catch fire in its presence because F2 is such an effective oxidising agent.
Conclusion
The concept of oxidation, Common Oxidising Agents, and the various other concepts related to oxidation are discussed in the above module.
A student who wishes to pursue a career in the field of chemistry must know all about the details of this topic. The common oxidising agents are essential concepts that have their advantages and disadvantages.
Oxidation is involved in many activities in our daily lives, including combustion, respiration, and photosynthesis in plants. As a result of this process, fats and oils oxidise and become rancid.
Various oxidising agents have a lot of applications in today’s world, and it helps in the combustion of fuel and various lively processes like photosynthesis and metabolism activities.
Oxidising agents are equally important as all the other reactants in an oxidation reaction.
