Autoxidation

Name:
Autoxidation
Detailed information:
(autooxidation). A spontaneous, self-catalyzed oxidation occurring in the presence of air. It usually involves a free-radical mechanism. It is initiated by heat, light, metallic catalysts, or free-radical generators. Industrial processes, such as manufacture of phenol and acetone from cumene, are based on autoxidation. Other instances are the drying of vegetable oils, the spoilage of fats, gum formation in lubricating oils, and the degradation of high polymers exposed to sunlight for long periods.See Autocatalysis.