HYDROXYL RADICAL Meaning and
Definition
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The hydroxyl radical, also known as OH•, is a highly reactive and unstable free radical composed of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom. It is denoted by the symbol •OH. The hydroxyl radical has a single unpaired electron, making it extremely reactive and eager to participate in chemical reactions.
Hydroxyl radicals are formed in the Earth's atmosphere through a series of complex reactions involving sunlight, water vapor, and other molecules, particularly ozone and nitrogen dioxide. They play a crucial role in the atmosphere as a natural “detergent”, as they actively contribute to the degradation and removal of various pollutants such as carbon monoxide, methane, and volatile organic compounds. Due to their reactivity, hydroxyl radicals are considered one of the most effective natural cleansers of the atmosphere.
In addition to its atmospheric presence, hydroxyl radicals are also relevant in numerous chemical and biological systems. They participate in several chemical reactions, such as the oxidation of organic compounds, which can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the context. In biological systems, hydroxyl radicals are involved in a process called oxidative stress, which can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA if not controlled appropriately.
Due to their short lifetime and high reactivity, hydroxyl radicals are not typically used directly in industrial applications or controlled processes. However, they are important targets of research and investigation in various scientific disciplines, including atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, and biochemistry, due to their critical role in diverse natural and human-made systems.
Common Misspellings for HYDROXYL RADICAL
- gydroxyl radical
- bydroxyl radical
- nydroxyl radical
- jydroxyl radical
- uydroxyl radical
- yydroxyl radical
- htdroxyl radical
- hgdroxyl radical
- hhdroxyl radical
- hudroxyl radical
- h7droxyl radical
- h6droxyl radical
- hysroxyl radical
- hyxroxyl radical
- hycroxyl radical
- hyfroxyl radical
- hyrroxyl radical
- hyeroxyl radical
- hydeoxyl radical
Etymology of HYDROXYL RADICAL
The word "hydroxyl" comes from the combination of "hydro-" (meaning "water") and "-xyl" (from the Greek word "xulos" meaning "wood"), indicating its original identification in the hydrolysis of wood. "Radical" refers to a chemical species that contains unpaired electrons and is highly reactive. So, the etymology of "hydroxyl radical" can be understood as a combination of "water" and "wood" in reference to its discovery, with the term "radical" indicating its reactive nature.
Similar spelling words for HYDROXYL RADICAL
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