The word "oxidable" refers to something that is prone to oxidation, or the chemical reaction that occurs when oxygen combines with another substance. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈɒksɪdəbl/, which shows that the main stress is on the second syllable and the final "e" is silent. The first syllable "oxi" comes from the Greek word for "acid," while "dable" is a suffix meaning "capable of" or "susceptible to." Therefore, "oxidable" literally means "able to undergo oxidation."
Oxidable is an adjective commonly used in the field of chemistry to describe a substance or compound that is capable of undergoing oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state or valence. This process is often accompanied by the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen from the molecule.
When a substance is oxidable, it means that it can be easily oxidized by a variety of chemical agents or conditions. This can include exposure to air, heat, light, or the presence of certain chemicals or catalysts that facilitate oxidation reactions. The extent to which a substance is oxidable can vary, with some compounds being highly reactive and readily undergoing oxidation, while others may only react under specific conditions or with certain oxidizing agents.
Oxidation reactions typically involve the transfer of electrons from the substance being oxidized to the oxidizing agent. This results in the formation of new chemical species, often with higher oxidation states for the atoms involved. Common examples of oxidable substances include metals, such as iron or copper, which readily undergo oxidation to form metal oxides or other compounds.
Understanding the oxidable nature of a substance is important in various fields, including industrial processes, environmental studies, and biochemistry. It allows scientists to predict how a substance may react under certain conditions and also plays a crucial role in understanding the potential hazards or stability of certain materials.
Capable of being converted into an oxide.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word oxidable is derived from the verb oxidize combined with the suffix -able.
Oxidize comes from the noun oxide, which refers to a compound typically formed when an element reacts with oxygen. The term oxidize was coined in the early 19th century, derived from the Latin word oxidus, meaning oxidized or rusted, and the Greek suffix -ize, which indicates the process of causing a specific action or state.
The suffix -able is used in English to form adjectives that mean capable of or suitable for. In this case, when -able is added to oxidize, it creates the word oxidable, which means capable of being oxidized.