oksüdandiks

Oksüdandiks is the Estonian term for an oxidizing agent, a substance that accepts electrons in a chemical redox reaction and is reduced in the process. In redox chemistry, oxidants are paired with reducing agents (reductants) that donate electrons. The effectiveness of an oxidant is often described by its standard reduction potential; higher values indicate stronger oxidizing power under standard conditions.

Common oxidants include molecular oxygen (O2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), halogens such as chlorine (Cl2), and metal-oxide species like permanganate (MnO4−) and dichromate (Cr2O7^2−). Weaker oxidants include hypochlorite (OCl−) and periodate (IO4−) under certain conditions; stronger oxidants include ozone (O3) and peracids.

In organic synthesis, oxidants enable transformations such as alcohol to aldehyde or ketone oxidation, alcohol to carboxylic acid, and various functional group oxidations. Specific reagents like pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) or Dess–Martin periodinane (DMP) are used for selective oxidation, while chlorine-based, permanganate-based, and nitro-containing oxidants provide more robust options.

In biology, oxidants or reactive oxygen species participate in signaling at controlled levels but can cause cellular damage at high concentrations; antioxidant systems maintain balance.

Handling: oxidants can react vigorously with reductants, fuels, or organic materials, posing fire or explosion risks; they require proper storage, separation from reductants, and appropriate personal protective equipment.

Etymology and usage: In Estonian, oksüdandiks is the instrumental form meaning "as an oxidant." See also oxidation, redox reaction, oxidizing agent.