An oxide is a chemical compound of oxygen with other chemical elements, e.g. rust (iron oxide) or bauxite (aluminium oxide). Oxides are extremely common in Earth's crust, and indeed in solid matter throughout the universe.

Oxides are usually created through the process of oxidation.

Generally, oxides are not conductive to electricity. This property is most commonly taken advantage of with silicon oxide, as silicon can easily be oxidized and the resulting part can be made into a transistor. This is the basis for much modern computer technology.

In the 18th century oxides were named calx because of the calcination process which produced the oxides. Calx later evolved into oxyd.

Dioxide

The term dioxide applies to an oxide with two atoms of oxygen.

For more on specific dioxides, see any of the following:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂)
• Manganese dioxide (MnO₂)
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
• Silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
• Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
• Thorium dioxide (ThO₂)
• Titanium dioxide (TiO₂)

Trioxide

The term trioxide (also trioxid) applies to an oxide with three atoms of oxygen.

For more on specific trioxides, see any of the following:

• Dinitrogen trioxide (N₂O₃)
• Sulfur trioxide (SO₃)

See also

• Iron oxides
• Copper oxide
• Hydroxide

ca:�xid de:Oxid es:�xido fr:Oxyde ja:酸化物 nl:oxide ru:Оксид fi:Oksidi