Oxidantens

Oxidantens are chemical species that accept electrons from other substances during oxidation reactions, thereby oxidizing the donor material. They are central to redox chemistry and are contrasted with reducing agents, which donate electrons.

Common oxidants include inorganic species such as molecular oxygen (O2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorite (ClO-), permanganate (MnO4-), dichromate (Cr2O7^2-), and ozone (O3); halogens like chlorine and fluorine; and organic oxidants such as peracids and nitro compounds. In biological systems, oxidantens also refer to reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH•), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). These species can act as signaling molecules at controlled levels but can damage biomolecules at high concentrations.

Applications span chemical synthesis, disinfection, bleaching, and polymer modification. In analytical chemistry, oxidants are used in titrations and as reagents in various assays. Environmentally, oxidantens participate in atmospheric chemistry and water treatment to oxidize contaminants. Safety: many oxidants are corrosive or reactive and can pose fire, explosion, or toxic hazards; handling requires appropriate containment and compatibility checks with materials and solvents.

Biological context: cells generate controlled oxidants for defense (e.g., to kill microbes) and signaling; antioxidant systems mitigate damage by reducing oxidants or repairing oxidized molecules. Imbalances between oxidants and antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and disease in some contexts. The study of oxidantens intersects chemistry, biology, medicine, and environmental science.