In KO2, the nature of oxygen species and the oxidation state of oxygen...
In KO2, the nature of oxygen species and the oxidation state of oxygen atom are, superoxide and −1/2 respectively.
Superoxide ion is O-2.
Let X be an oxidation state of oxygen. The oxidation state of K is +1.
+ 1 + 2(X) = 0
2X = - 1
X = -1/2
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In KO2, the nature of oxygen species and the oxidation state of oxygen...
Oxygen Species and Oxidation State in KO2
Introduction:
In the compound KO2 (potassium superoxide), the nature of oxygen species and the oxidation state of the oxygen atom are important to understand. Let's discuss the correct answer, which is option 'D' - superoxide and -1/2.
Understanding Superoxide:
Superoxide is a chemical species that contains an oxygen atom with an oxidation state of -1/2. It is represented by the formula O2^-. The superoxide ion is a radical, which means it possesses an unpaired electron in its molecular orbital. This radical nature makes superoxide highly reactive.
Oxidation State of Oxygen in Superoxide:
The oxidation state of an atom is a measure of the number of electrons it has gained or lost in a compound. In the case of the oxygen atom in superoxide (O2^-), it has an oxidation state of -1/2. This means that the oxygen atom has gained one electron and its charge is distributed over both oxygen atoms in the superoxide ion.
Explanation of Answer:
Now, let's discuss why option 'D' is the correct answer.
- Option 'A' (superoxide and -1) is incorrect because the oxidation state of the oxygen atom in superoxide is -1/2, not -1.
- Option 'B' (oxide and -2) is incorrect because the oxidation state of the oxygen atom in superoxide is not -2, but -1/2.
- Option 'C' (peroxide and -1/2) is incorrect because peroxide refers to a different oxygen species (O2^2-), not superoxide (O2^-). Additionally, the oxidation state of oxygen in peroxide is -1, not -1/2.
Inference:
From the above analysis, we can conclude that the correct answer is option 'D' - superoxide and -1/2. In KO2, the compound contains the superoxide ion (O2^-) where the oxygen atom has an oxidation state of -1/2.