Oxidizer Definition in Chemistry

What Is an Oxidizer?

This is the hazard symbol for oxidizers.
This is the hazard symbol for oxidizers.

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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on May 08, 2019

An oxidizer, also known as an oxidant or oxidizing agent, is a reactant that removes electrons from other reactants during a redox reaction. It may also be considered to be a chemical species that transfers electronegative atoms to a substrate. The word origin derives from the transfer of oxygen, but the definition has since been expanded to include other species in a redox reaction.

Isolated oxidising agent, common hazards symbols
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What Is an Oxidizing Agent?
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Oxidizer Examples

Hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and nitric acid are all oxidizers. The halogens are all excellent oxidizing agents. Naturally, oxygen (O2) and ozone (O3) are oxidizers.

Source

  • Smith, Michael B.; March, Jerry (2007). Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure (6th ed.). New York: Wiley-Interscience. ISBN 0-471-72091-7.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Oxidizer Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxidizer-605458. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 28). Oxidizer Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxidizer-605458 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Oxidizer Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxidizer-605458 (accessed April 19, 2024).