What is the loss of an electron in a chemical reaction called?

The loss of an electron in a chemical reaction is referred to as oxidation. This process involves the removal of an electron from an atom or molecule, resulting in an increase in oxidation state. In many redox reactions, oxidation is concomitant with reduction, where another species gains the electron that was lost.

Understanding oxidation is crucial in various fields, particularly in chemistry and biochemistry, as it plays a significant role in energy production and metabolic processes. For example, during cellular respiration, glucose is oxidized, and this process is vital for generating ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

The other processes mentioned (reduction, hydrolysis, and condensation) refer to different chemical phenomena. Reduction specifically involves gaining electrons, hydrolysis pertains to the chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water, and condensation refers to the process of joining two molecules to form a larger one, often with the release of water.