oxidation state

American  

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.

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oxidation state Scientific  

1. See valence

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Etymology

Origin of oxidation state

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

To verify that manganese and iron truly remained in the intended oxidation state, Almishal collaborated with researchers at Virginia Tech.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

If synthesized in a normal atmosphere, manganese and iron would continue binding with oxygen and shift to a higher oxidation state, preventing the material from forming correctly.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

To stabilize these ceramics, manganese and iron atoms must remain in the 2+ oxidation state, forming what is known as a rock salt structure where each atom bonds with only two oxygen atoms.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

Remember that an element exhibits a positive oxidation state when combined with a more electronegative element and that it exhibits a negative oxidation state when combined with a less electronegative element.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Aluminum normally uses all of its valence electrons when it reacts, giving compounds in which it has an oxidation state of 3+.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019