Oxidation-reduction Reactions

Oxidation-reduction reactions (also known as redox reactions) are chemical reactions in which the oxidation states of atoms are changed. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, whereas reduction is the gain of electrons. Oxidation-reduction reactions are widely used in both natural and synthetic processes, from the metabolism of food to the production of energy from fuels; they are a fundamental part of many chemical, biological and physical processes. The importance of these reactions lies in their ability to transfer energy and their ability to be used in the synthesis of important chemicals. Oxidation-reduction reactions are essential to life, and understanding them is essential to further advance modern chemistry and biochemistry.