What is the difference between oxides , peroxides and superoxides ?

1 Answer
Apr 3, 2016

Oxides, oxidation state -IIII; peroxides, oxidation state -II; superoxides, oxidation state -1/212.

Explanation:

These oxygen derivatives differ by oxidation number. Typical oxides are Na_2ONa2O, Fe_2O_3Fe2O3, BaOBaO; these feature the oxide anion, O^(2-)O2.

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

Superoxides have a formal oxidation state of -1/212, and are known as alkali metal salts, i.e. MO_2MO2 (M=K, Na, Rb)(M=K,Na,Rb). They are a portable form of oxygen, and are used as oxygen supplies for firefighters.