Oxidizable

Oxidizable is an adjective used in chemistry to describe a substance that can be oxidized. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that involves the loss of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion. This loss of electrons typically results in an increase in the oxidation state of the species undergoing oxidation. Substances that are oxidizable readily undergo this process when exposed to oxidizing agents.

Common examples of oxidizable substances include metals like iron, which rusts when it reacts with oxygen, and organic compounds such as alcohols and aldehydes. The ease with which a substance can be oxidized depends on its chemical structure and the presence of specific functional groups. For instance, compounds with readily available electrons or those with easily removable hydrogen atoms are generally more oxidizable.

The concept of oxidizability is important in various chemical contexts, including redox reactions, corrosion, and biological processes. Understanding which substances are oxidizable helps chemists predict reaction outcomes, design chemical syntheses, and manage material degradation. For example, antioxidants are substances that are themselves easily oxidized, thereby protecting other molecules from oxidation.