What is the difference between oxides , peroxides and superoxides ?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 3, 2016

Oxides, oxidation state #-II#; peroxides, oxidation state #-I#; superoxides, oxidation state #-1/2#.

Explanation:

These oxygen derivatives differ by oxidation number. Typical oxides are #Na_2O#, #Fe_2O_3#, #BaO#; these feature the oxide anion, #O^(2-)#.

Peroxides are derivatives of hydrogen peroxide, #H-O-O-H#, and feature an #O-O# bond. The formal oxidation state of oxygen here is #O^(-I)#, i.e. the peroxide dianion is considered to be #""^(-)O-O^(-)#

Superoxides have a formal oxidation state of #-1/2#, and are known as alkali metal salts, i.e. #MO_2# #(M=K, Na, Rb)#. They are a portable form of oxygen, and are used as oxygen supplies for firefighters.

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