Chemistry and Oxidation States
We all recognize rust when we see it, but how many of us understand the fascinating processes of oxidation? The oxidation state, in chemistry, explains how oxidized an atom is in a chemical compound. The oxidation state is an integer which is determined by a number of rules:
- A pure substance made up of a single element has an oxidation state of zero. For instance, chlorine exists naturally as Cl2. and has an oxidation state of zero.
- An ion, which is an atom stripped of its electrons, has an oxidation state equal to its electric charge. For instance, a hydrogen ion has a charge of +1.
- In most compounds, hydrogen and oxygen have oxidation states of +1 and -2, respectively.
- Removal of oxygen, the cause of rust, is called reduction.
Well, we could go on and on, but the point is, oxidation science is well developed, as is the science of rust removal. A serious rust removal is one that should eliminate virtually any rust it touches. A good rust remover will clean a piece of metal with a soak that lasts from half and hour to 12 hours, depending upon the oxidation state of the metal.
You’ll know the metal is clean when its gleams brilliantly after cleaning. A good cleaner removes oxygen from compounds, which is a process called reduction. A properly cleaned metal is reduced by a good cleaner, stripping away years of rust accumulation. At the same time, the cleanser should never harm non-metalic materials such as rubber or plastic.
The reduction of oxidation state has powerful economic implications. Think of rusty parts in old pear computers. You could replace some of them for a hundred dollars or more. Or, for the low price of a bottle of rest remover, you can clean outside of the hard drive and it’s good as new. That’s the miracle of chemistry!
Saving a hard drive is small change compared to how much money a person can save with the application of a scientifically-engineered rust remover to expensive items like auto parts. Another example: expensive tools like precision chisels and hand planes would be heartbreaking to abandon due to rust. Luckily, science knows how to reverse oxidation quickly and without damage. And like magic, you can reuse rust remover again and again before it is exhausted. Science is truly magnificent.