Oxidant refers to a substance that is in a high Oxidation state, has strong oxidizability, is easy to decompose, and emits oxygen and heat. Including inorganic substances containing peroxide groups, which may not necessarily be flammable themselves, but can cause combustion of combustible materials. They can form explosive mixtures with soft powdered combustible materials and are sensitive to heat, vibration, or friction.

Organic peroxides refer to organic substances containing peroxy groups in their molecular composition, which are flammable, explosive, easily decomposed and extremely sensitive to heat, vibration or friction.

Chemically, the reaction with Electron transfer is called oxidation-reduction reaction. During the reaction process, the substance that can obtain electrons is called an oxidant; Substances that lose electrons are called reducing agents. Oxidants have a strong ability to acquire electrons and have strong oxidizing properties. They can quickly decompose when exposed to acids, alkalis, high temperatures, vibrations, friction, impacts, dampness, or in contact with flammable substances, reducing agents, etc., posing a risk of combustion and explosion.

1. Strong oxidizing properties

Oxidants are mostly compounds composed of salts of alkali metals, alkali earth metals, or peroxides. Its characteristics are high oxidation valence state, easy decomposition, and extremely strong oxidation; It does not burn itself, but can ignite and explode when interacting with combustible materials. Inorganic peroxides all contain peroxy groups (- O-O -), which are unstable and easily decompose to release atomic oxygen. Other oxidants contain high valence elements such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen, sulfur, manganese, chromium, etc. These high valence elements have strong electron acquisition ability. Therefore, when oxidants encounter flammable materials, combustible materials, organic matter, reducing agents, etc., they will undergo intense chemical reactions and cause combustion and explosion.

2. Decomposability

Oxidants are prone to release oxygen and heat when exposed to high temperatures, which can easily cause combustion and explosion. In particular, the peroxy group in the molecular composition of Organic peroxides is very unstable, which is easy to decompose and release atomic oxygen. Moreover, Organic peroxides itself is a combustible, easy to ignite and burn, and the products of thermal decomposition are all gases, which are more likely to cause explosion. Therefore, Organic peroxides has greater fire and explosion risk than inorganic oxide.

3. Extreme sensitivity to friction and vibration

Many oxidants, such as chlorates, nitrates and Organic peroxides, are extremely sensitive to friction, vibration and impact. Therefore, in storage and transportation, light loading and unloading should be achieved, and the vehicle should be tightly and firmly tied. Vibration and collision should be avoided during driving to avoid the risk of explosion.

4. Intense reaction with acid

Most oxidants, especially alkaline oxidants, react violently with acid and even explode. For example, Sodium peroxide (potassium), Potassium chlorate, Potassium permanganate, dibenzoyl peroxide, etc. will explode immediately when encountering sulfuric acid. These oxidizing agents must not come into contact with acids, and acid alkali fire extinguishing agents cannot be used to extinguish fires.

5. Decomposition of water interaction

Some oxidants, especially the peroxides of active metals, such as Sodium peroxide (potassium), release oxygen and heat when they are decomposed in Water splitting, which can support combustion and make combustibles burn or even explode. In addition, after absorbing water, Calcium hypochlorite can not only release atomic oxygen, but also release a lot of chlorine; Zinc permanganate forms a liquid after absorbing water, and can immediately cause combustion when in contact with organic substances such as paper and cotton. Therefore, this type of oxidant should be tightly packaged during storage and transportation to prevent moisture and rain. It is prohibited to use water to extinguish a fire, nor can carbon dioxide be used to extinguish it.

6. Toxicity and corrosiveness

Some oxidants themselves have varying degrees of toxicity and corrosiveness. For example, chromic anhydride and Chromate and dichromate are toxic and can burn skin; Peroxides of active metals have strong corrosiveness. Personal protection should be taken during operation.

7. Salt metathesis reaction

Some oxidants can produce Salt metathesis reaction after contacting with other oxidants, which will release a lot of heat and cause combustion and explosion. For example, nitrite, hypo Chlorate, etc. will show reducibility when encountering stronger oxidants, which will cause severe reaction and lead to danger. Therefore, various oxidants cannot be mixed, stored, or transported arbitrarily.

8. Corrosiveness and Toxicity

The vast majority of oxidants have certain corrosiveness and toxicity, which can poison the human body and burn the skin. For example, Chromium(IV) oxide is toxic and corrosive, so special attention should be paid to safety protection when storing and transporting such goods.