oxidation state

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the state of an element or ion in a compound with regard to the electrons gained or lost by the element or ion in the reaction that formed the compound, expressed as a positive or negative number indicating the ionic charge of the element or ion.

oxidation state

1. See valence

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxidation state¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

"This is because the iridium resulting from this interaction was in the rare and highly active +6 oxidation state."

From Science Daily

This study also shows the ability to turn on and off this contact by using light to change the oxidation state of the ferrocene, demonstrating a light-switchable ferrocene-based single-molecule device.

From Science Daily

"This is an unusual observation for a molecular system based on manganese in its oxidation state +IV. Even with noble metals emission in this energy region is essentially unprecedented," said Professor Katja Heinze.

From Science Daily

Importantly, none of these properties of the sedimentary environment are strongly linked to the global sulfur cycle, to the oxidation state of the global ocean, or essentially any other property that researchers have traditionally used pyrite sulfur isotopes to reconstruct, the scientists said.

From Science Daily

Aluminium compounds in the +1 oxidation state are known, but are thermodynamically unstable with respect to disproportionation.

From Nature