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Which substances commonly act as oxidizing agents in chemical reactions?

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In oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, an oxidizing agent is a substance that accepts electrons from another species, thereby becoming reduced itself. Common oxidizing agents include:123

Molecular Oxygen ( $O_{2}$ ): A highly significant oxidizing agent that reacts with most metals and nonmetals. It is essential in processes such as combustion, corrosion, and cellular respiration.413
Halogens: Elements such as fluorine, chlorine, and bromine are versatile oxidizing agents that form diatomic molecules.42
Oxyanions: Certain oxygen-containing ions, such as the permanganate ion ( $M n O_{4}^{-}$ ) and the dichromate ion ( $C r_{2} O_{7}^{2 -}$ ), are frequently used in chemical synthesis.42
Oxygen-atom transfer reagents: Compounds like hydrogen peroxide ( $H_{2} O_{2}$ ), hypochlorous acid ( $H C l O$ ), and chromic acid ( $H_{2} C r O_{4}$ ) are commonly employed to transfer oxygen atoms to other substances.45
Metal Oxides: In specific applications like alkaline batteries, metal oxides such as silver oxide ( $A g O$ ) act as oxidizing agents.1