Oxide

Oxide, chemical compound of oxygen and another element or, in the case of organic oxides, an organic compound. The formation of an oxide, called oxidation, occurs rapidly, in burning, or slowly, as in rusting. Metallic oxides such as quicklime or calcium oxide (CaO) react with water to form alkalis and with acids to form salts. Nonmetallic oxides such as sodium trioxide (SO₃) react with water to form acids and with bases to form salts. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are common air pollutants that combine with water to form acid rain. Industrial uses of oxides include the production of acids and the manufacture of glass.