What term describes the loss of electrons in a chemical reaction?

The term that describes the loss of electrons in a chemical reaction is oxidation. In the context of redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions, oxidation refers specifically to the process that takes place when an atom loses electrons. This can also be seen as an increase in oxidation state.

Oxidation is often paired with reduction, which is the gain of electrons. Understanding this relationship is crucial in many areas of chemistry, especially in processes like combustion and respiration. In these reactions, one species is oxidized while another is reduced, and the transfer of electrons is what drives the chemical changes.

The other terms mentioned do not accurately describe this specific process. N-oxide formation refers to compounds that contain an oxygen atom bonded to a nitrogen atom, typically in a specific chemical context. Reduction refers to the gain of electrons, which is the opposite of what is being described in the question. Cleavage generally refers to the breaking of a chemical bond rather than electron transfer.

Thus, the correct term for the loss of electrons in a chemical reaction is oxidation, which is key in understanding various chemical processes and reactions.