AUTOXIDATION Meaning and
Definition
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Autoxidation refers to a chemical reaction that occurs spontaneously in a substance when exposed to oxygen or other oxidizing agents. It is a process by which a substance undergoes oxidation without the need for an external catalyst or energy input. The term "auto" in autoxidation signifies the self-initiation of the reaction. This type of oxidation can occur in various compounds, including organic molecules, fuels, and polymers.
During an autoxidation process, oxygen molecules directly react with the substance, leading to the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive species containing unpaired electrons. As the autoxidation reaction progresses, these radicals initiate a chain reaction, causing the substance to undergo oxidation. This process marks the degradation, deterioration, or aging of the substance, as it leads to the breakdown of chemical bonds and the formation of reactive intermediates.
Autoxidation reactions are often accompanied by the release of heat and can be accelerated by factors such as heat, light, or the presence of metal catalysts. Common examples of autoxidation include the rancidity of fats and oils, the discoloration of certain fruits when exposed to air, and the aging and degradation of various materials such as rubber or plastics.
Understanding autoxidation processes is crucial in many fields, including chemistry, materials science, and food science. By studying the mechanisms and kinetics of autoxidation, scientists can develop strategies to prevent or slow down these reactions, thereby extending the shelf life of products, improving material durability, and potentially minimizing harmful effects.
Common Misspellings for AUTOXIDATION
- zutoxidation
- sutoxidation
- wutoxidation
- qutoxidation
- aytoxidation
- ahtoxidation
- ajtoxidation
- aitoxidation
- a8toxidation
- a7toxidation
- auroxidation
- aufoxidation
- augoxidation
- auyoxidation
- au6oxidation
- au5oxidation
- autixidation
- autkxidation
- autlxidation
- autpxidation
Etymology of AUTOXIDATION
The word "autoxidation" has Greek etymology. It originates from the Greek words "auto" meaning "self" and "oxydation" meaning "oxidation". The combining form "auto-" refers to "self", and the word "oxidation" refers to a chemical reaction where a substance combines with oxygen. Therefore, "autoxidation" refers to the process of self-oxidation, where a substance undergoes oxidative reactions without the presence of an external agent like oxygen.
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