Oxidation

1. Definition:

•  It is a chemical change involving electron loss, oxygen addition, or an increase in oxidation number during a reaction
• This process is essential in energy release, biological metabolism, corrosion, and many industrial applications.

1. Mechanism:

   • Free radicals generated by heat, light, or metal ions initiate chain reactions, resulting in oxidative degradation.

Examples:

Example Reaction (Phenol Derivatives):

ArOH + (1/2) O₂ —[light]→ ArO* → ArO–OH

Example Reaction (Aldehydes to Carboxylic Acids):

RCHO + [O] → RCOOH

Prevention Strategies:

• Use of antioxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfite).
• Packaging in oxygen-impermeable materials.
• Inert gases (e.g., nitrogen) in containers to displace oxygen.
• Chelating agents (e.g., EDTA) to remove metal ions that catalyze oxidation.
• Light-resistant packaging (amber glass bottles).

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