What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dehydrogenation
Example
The dehydrogenation of ethanol produces acetaldehyde. [dehydrogenation: noun]
Example
The catalyst used in the dehydrogenation reaction is platinum. [dehydrogenation: noun]
oxidation
Example
The oxidation of ethanol produces acetaldehyde. [oxidation: noun]
Example
The catalyst used in the oxidation reaction is potassium permanganate. [oxidation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oxidation is a more commonly used term than dehydrogenation in everyday language. Oxidation is a versatile process that has many applications in various fields, while dehydrogenation is more specialized and is mainly used in the petrochemical industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dehydrogenation and oxidation?
Dehydrogenation is a more formal term than oxidation. It is mainly used in technical and scientific contexts, while oxidation is used in both formal and informal contexts.