Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Autoxidation: Oxidation by molecular oxygen, usually forming peroxides and/or hydroperoxides. The reaction mechanism involves a free radical chain reaction.

Isopropyl ether is highly susceptible to autoxidation. An explosive hydroperoxide is formed.


Aldehydes undergo autoxidation to form carboxylic acids. In this example, autoxidation of benzaldehyde produces benzoic acid.