An oxidizing agent (also called an oxidant or oxidizer) is a substance that causes another substance to be oxidized.
Key Points:
- It does this by accepting electrons from the other substance.
- Since it gains electrons, the oxidizing agent itself is reduced in the reaction.
- Strong oxidizing agents are usually substances rich in oxygen or very electronegative elements.
Examples in simple words:
- Oxygen in burning: It acts as an oxidizing agent by taking electrons from carbon or hydrogen in fuels.
- Chlorine gas: It oxidizes metals like iron or sodium by gaining electrons.
- Potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide: Common oxidizing agents used in chemistry and medicine.