
According to the scientific definition, oxidizing agent is a chemical compound that conveniently transfers atoms of oxygen; and in a redox chemical reaction, it gains electrons. It is also identified as an oxidizer or oxidant. Thus, it can also be cited as a chemical substance which voluntarily transfers oxygen atoms and gains electrons in a state of redox chemical reaction.
Several studies have allowed scientists come to the conclusion that oxidizing agents usually pair with the reducing agents that are substances that gain electrons in a state of redox reaction. There are also several claims that prove that they may be known as oxygenation reagents due to its property of transferring oxygen-atoms in a particular reaction. The basic of oxygenation is very simple; and most metal and non-metals get oxidized to a particular point of magnitude.
Furthermore, the properties of these agents also state that the atoms in a certain molecule can be simply assigned an oxidation number. Now, this oxidation number changes consequently when an oxidant happens to act on a certain substrate. Thus, in a state of redox reaction, there is the possibility for the oxidation numbers to alter under the reacting circumstances.
Some of the common oxidizing agents include Oxygen (O2), Chlorine (Cl2), Iodine (I2), Fluorine (F2), Ozone (O3), Bromine (Br2), Chlorate (CIO3-), Nitric Acid (HNO3), Dichromate (Cr2O72-), Hypochlorite (OCI-), Chromate (CrO42-), Manganate (MnO42-), and Chromium Trioxide (CrO3). Many of the above mentioned chemical compounds have properties that are strong, while others are simply the best agents in a chemical reaction. Thus, the agents need to be assorted in different categories.
The molecules, ions, and atoms that have astonishing affinity of electrons, act like good oxidizing agents. For example, fluorine (F2) is recognized as the strongest one in the group. This is because the elements like metals, asbestos, quartz ruptures into flames in the presence of fluorine. To know more about the strong agents and their characteristics, find a Chemistry tutor near your home today.

