oxidation

views updated May 23 2018

oxidation The chemical process of removing electrons from an element or compound (e.g. the oxidation of iron compounds from ferrous to ferric); frequently together with the removal of hydrogen ions (H⁺). The reverse process, the addition of electrons or hydrogen, is reduction.

In biological oxidation and reduction reactions, cytochromes act to transfer electrons, while coenzymes derived from the vitamins niacin and vitamin B2 are intermediate hydrogen acceptors, transferring both electrons and H⁺ ions.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

oxidation

views updated May 08 2018

oxidation Specifically, a reaction in which oxygen combines with, or hydrogen is removed from, a substance. More generally, any reaction in which an atom loses electrons. For example, in the reaction between zinc and copper sulphate:Zn + Cu²⁺ + SO₄²⁻ → Zn²⁺ + SO₄²⁻ + Cuthe zinc has lost two electrons and been oxidized. Conversely the copper has undergone reduction.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

oxidation

views updated May 14 2018

oxidation Chemical reaction that involves a loss of one or more electrons by an atom or molecule (always part of an oxidation-reduction reaction in which those electrons are gained by another atom or molecule). Previously the term was more strictly applied to a reaction in which oxygen combines with another element or compound to form an oxide. Oxidation is brought about by oxidizing agents.

World Encyclopedia

oxidation

views updated May 18 2018

oxidation (oks-i-day-shŏn) n. a reaction in which an atom or molecule loses electrons. Many biological oxidations are effected by the removal of hydrogen atoms, which combine with an oxidizing agent. For example, glucose is oxidized during cellular respiration: C₆H₁₂O₆+6O₂ → 6CO₂+6H₂O.

A Dictionary of Nursing