Oxidable

Oxidable is an adjective used in chemistry to describe a substance that can undergo oxidation, a process in which a chemical species increases its oxidation state by losing electrons, typically through reaction with an oxidizing agent such as molecular oxygen, halogens, or peroxides. Substances that are oxidable are prone to chemical change when exposed to oxidants, heat, or light.

In practice, oxidable materials include metals that form oxides upon air exposure, as well as many organic molecules. For example, metals like iron and aluminum form oxide layers, while unsaturated fats, oils, and certain alcohols can oxidize to peroxides, aldehydes, or other products. Oxidation can be accelerated by heat, light, trace metal catalysts, or free radicals, and it often leads to degradation of material properties, altered flavors or aromas in foods, and loss of function in polymers and electronics.

Applications and implications of oxidation propensity are wide. In corrosion and materials science, oxidable components are evaluated for durability and may be protected by coatings or passivation. In food and cosmetics, oxidation contributes to spoilage and rancidity, prompting the use of antioxidants to slow the process. In polymers and lubricants, oxidation can cause embrittlement or viscosity changes, influencing shelf life and performance.

Terminology notes: oxidable is a recognized variant describing susceptibility to oxidation and is often used interchangeably with oxidizable or oxidisable, depending on regional spelling conventions. While common in some contexts, oxidizable/oxidisable forms are more widely used in standard chemical literature.