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.

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 March 22, 2023).