onreactief

Onreactief is a Dutch term used in science to describe a substance or environment that does not readily participate in chemical reactions under standard laboratory conditions. It is equivalent to the English term inert or nonreactive. The word combines on- prefix meaning "not" with reactief meaning reactive.

In chemistry and materials science, onreactief substances show low chemical reactivity due to stable electron configurations, protective oxide layers, or lack of accessible reaction pathways. Classic examples are the noble gases and, in many contexts, nitrogen gas. Some metals like gold and platinum also demonstrate high resistance to corrosion and oxidation, contributing to their nonreactive character in everyday conditions.

Applications include inert atmospheres for chemical synthesis and storage; protective environments in electronics manufacturing; inert excipients in pharmaceuticals; and packaging and sample preservation. Gases commonly used for their low reactivity include argon, nitrogen, and helium, chosen to minimize unwanted chemical interactions.

Limitations: onreactief is relative; under high temperature, high pressure, in the presence of catalysts, or with aggressive reagents, even onreactief materials can participate in reactions. The degree of reactivity is context-dependent, and no substance is universally nonreactive in all conditions.

See also: inert gas, inertness, passivation, corrosion resistance.