Redox

Redox (short for reduction–oxidation reaction) is a type of chemical reaction in which the oxidation states of atoms are changed. Redox reactions are characterized by the transfer of electrons between chemical species, most often with one species (the reductant) undergoing oxidation (losing electrons) while another species (the oxidant) undergoes reduction (gains electrons).

Overview

The term 'redox' comes from two concepts involved with electron transfer: 'reduction' and 'oxidation'. It can be explained in simple terms:

• Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in the oxidation state of an atom, an ion, or of certain atoms in a molecule.
• Reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in the oxidation state of an atom, an ion, or of certain atoms in a molecule.

Redox reactions

In redox processes, the reductant transfers electrons to the oxidant. Thus, in the reaction, the reductant or reducing agent loses electrons and is oxidized, and the oxidant or oxidizing agent gains electrons and is reduced.

Examples

The classic redox reaction is a reaction between hydrogen and fluorine: H2 + F2 → 2HF In this reaction, hydrogen is oxidized because it loses its electron to fluorine, which is reduced.

See also

• Oxidation state
• Oxidizing agent
• Reducing agent
• Electrochemistry
• Corrosion
• Redox signaling

References

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