Alternatively the reactions may lead to an unmasking of one of these groups. These changes take place as a result of an oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis reaction. Which of these reactions take place are determined by the structure of the molecule. The reduction of azo and nitro compounds yields the corresponding amines. Decomposition by Hydrolysis refers to the cleavage of a foreign compound by the addition of water.
Examples are the hydroxylation reactions of various aromatic and aliphatic compounds.
The N-alkyl groups in particular can be removed by oxidative dealkylation. Compounds with a thioether group are readily oxidized to sulfoxides. Alkyl groups are also readily oxidized and undergo fairly rapid hydroxylation. Oxidation of aromatic compounds leads to phenolic compounds. The name of this system refers to the ability to incorporate one atom of molecular oxygen into the substrate and reduce the other atom of oxygen to water.