Scavenger (chemistry)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A scavenger is a substance added to a mixture in order to remove or inactivate impurities or unwanted reaction products.

In atmospheric chemistry, the most common scavenger is the hydroxyl radical, a short-lived radical produced photolytically in the atmosphere. It is the most important oxidant for carbon dioxide, methane and other hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and most of other contaminants, removing them from the atmosphere.

In molecular laser isotope separation, methane is used as a scavenger gas for fluorine atoms.

Hydrazine and ascorbic acid are used as oxygen scavenger corrosion inhibitors.

Tocopherol, naringenin, and DEHA are free radical scavengers.

Organotin compounds are used in polymer manufacture as hydrochloric acid scavengers.

See also:

• Synthetic catalytic scavenger