AUTOOXIDATION Meaning and
Definition
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Autooxidation is a chemical process in which a substance undergoes oxidation spontaneously without the input of external stimuli or catalysts. It involves the reaction of a substance with oxygen in the air, causing the substance to become oxidized and leading to the formation of various chemical products. The term "auto" in autooxidation refers to the self-initiating and self-propagating nature of the process.
Autooxidation commonly occurs in organic compounds, particularly those containing unsaturated bonds, such as alkenes or aromatic compounds. This process can result in the degradation or deterioration of these substances, leading to various undesirable effects. For example, autooxidation of fats and oils can cause rancidity, while autooxidation of polymers can lead to degradation and loss of physical properties.
The autooxidation process can be characterized by the formation of highly reactive intermediates called free radicals, which are responsible for initiating the chain reaction of oxidation. These free radicals are generated through the abstraction of hydrogen atoms from the original substance, creating new reactive sites that can react with oxygen.
Autooxidation is influenced by various factors, including temperature, oxygen concentration, presence of catalysts, and the chemical structure of the substance being oxidized. In some cases, autooxidation can be accelerated by light or other forms of energy. The process can be detrimental and have negative consequences in various fields, such as food storage, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. Therefore, understanding and controlling autooxidation is crucial for ensuring the stability and quality of products in these industries.
Common Misspellings for AUTOOXIDATION
- zutooxidation
- sutooxidation
- wutooxidation
- qutooxidation
- aytooxidation
- ahtooxidation
- ajtooxidation
- aitooxidation
- a8tooxidation
- a7tooxidation
- aurooxidation
- aufooxidation
- augooxidation
- auyooxidation
- au6ooxidation
- au5ooxidation
- autioxidation
- autkoxidation
- autloxidation
- autpoxidation
Etymology of AUTOOXIDATION
The word "autooxidation" is derived from three different components: "auto-", "oxidation", and "-ation".
1. "Auto-" comes from the Greek word "autos", meaning "self" or "by itself". In the context of this word, it implies self-generating or independent action.
2. "Oxidation" is derived from the Latin word "oxidare", which means "to combine with oxygen". It refers to a chemical reaction where a substance combines with oxygen, resulting in a loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state.
3. "-ation" is a suffix added to noun forms, often used in the formation of abstract nouns. It is derived from the Latin suffix "-atio".
When combined, "autooxidation" represents a chemical process in which a substance undergoes oxidation spontaneously or without the need for external intervention.
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