oksiid

Oksiid is the Estonian term for oxide, a chemical compound that contains oxygen chemically bonded to another element. Most oxides are binary compounds of oxygen with metals or nonmetals, and they occur widely in nature and industry.

Oxides are commonly grouped by acid–base behavior. Basic oxides, usually metal oxides, react with acids to give salts and water. Acidic oxides, typically nonmetal oxides, react with bases to form salts and water. Amphoteric oxides can react with both acids and bases, forming salts in both cases. Neutral oxides, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrous oxide (N2O), show little or no basic or acidic character under ordinary conditions.

Formation and structure: Oxides form when elements react with oxygen, or when higher oxides are reduced or subsequently oxidized. They can be ionic, covalent, or mixed in character, and many exhibit crystalline solid structures with high melting points.

Common examples and uses: Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) is a pigment and catalyst; silicon dioxide (SiO2) is essential in glass and ceramics; aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is used as an abrasive and catalyst support. Other oxides serve in electronics (zinc oxide, ZnO), cement production (calcium oxide, CaO), and various industrial chemicals.

Occurrence and safety: Oxides are abundant in the Earth's crust. Some oxides are irritants or toxic in fine powder form, and certain metal oxides require handling precautions to avoid inhalation or exposure.