_____ are organic compounds that form complexes with metal ions and inactivate the oxidation process.

• A. Chelating agents
• B. Surfactants
• C. Antioxidants
• D. Emulsifiers

Answer: (A)

Chelating agents form stable complexes with metal ions, sequestering catalysts that would otherwise accelerate oxidation. In many formulations, trace metals like iron or copper drive oxidation by diving into redox cycles that generate reactive radicals. By binding these metals, chelating agents prevent them from participating in those reactions, slowing or stopping oxidative degradation. That metal-binding action is what makes them effective at inactivating the oxidation process. In contrast, antioxidants protect by scavenging radicals directly, while surfactants and emulsifiers don’t primarily influence oxidation via metal sequestration.