18.9 Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Oxygen
3 min read•june 25, 2024
, a vital element for life, makes up about 21% of Earth's atmosphere. Its properties, from supporting to enabling aquatic life, make it essential for various biological and industrial processes.
Preparing oxygen involves methods like of air and of water. Understanding oxygen's compounds, such as water and carbon dioxide, is crucial for grasping its role in nature and human activities.
Properties and Preparation of Oxygen
Properties and preparation of oxygen
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- Colorless, odorless diatomic gas makes up about 21% of Earth's atmosphere by volume
- Slightly soluble in water enables aquatic life to survive
- Supports combustion (burning) and is necessary for life ()
- Prepared by fractional distillation of liquefied air separates oxygen from other gases based on their boiling points
- of water splits into and gases using electricity ()
- Decomposition of breaks down into water and oxygen gas ()
- Decomposition of metal chlorates like potassium chlorate () releases oxygen gas when heated ()
- Water () is a common oxygen compound that is a liquid at room temperature, a polar molecule, and a universal solvent dissolving many substances
- Hydrogen peroxide () is a pale blue liquid that acts as a strong oxidizing agent and decomposes into water and oxygen gas
- Carbon dioxide () is a colorless gas that is a product of combustion (burning), a greenhouse gas, and is used in fire extinguishers and carbonated beverages (soda)
- Oxygen's behavior and properties are influenced by , affecting its solubility in liquids and its reactivity
Metal oxides, peroxides, and hydroxides
- Metal form by the reaction of metals with oxygen gas () and are used as refractory materials (withstand high temperatures), catalysts, and pigments (coloring agents)
- Magnesium oxide (), calcium oxide (), and iron(III) oxide () are common metal oxides
- Metal contain the peroxide ion () and are used as oxygen sources and bleaching agents (whitening or disinfecting)
- Sodium peroxide () and barium peroxide () are examples of metal peroxides
- Metal hydroxides form by the reaction of metal oxides with water () and are used as strong bases, pH regulators, and in soap and detergent production
- Sodium hydroxide (), potassium hydroxide (), and calcium hydroxide () are common metal hydroxides
Oxyacids vs oxyanions of nonmetals
- Oxyacids are acids containing oxygen, usually in the form of hydroxyl (-OH) groups, with the general formula (X = nonmetal)
- Sulfuric acid (), nitric acid (), and phosphoric acid () are examples of oxyacids
- Acidic properties arise from the dissociation of H+ ions in solution
- Oxyanions are negatively charged polyatomic ions containing oxygen formed by the deprotonation (removal of H+) of oxyacids
- Sulfate (), nitrate (), and phosphate () are examples of oxyanions
- Can form salts with metal cations (positively charged ions)
- Oxyacids react with bases to form salts and water, such as sulfuric acid reacting with sodium hydroxide:
- Oxyanions can form precipitates (insoluble solids) with certain metal cations, such as barium sulfate:
Oxygen Allotropes and Redox Reactions
- Oxygen exists in different , including diatomic oxygen (O₂) and (O₃), each with unique properties and reactivity
- involve the transfer of electrons between species, with oxygen often acting as an oxidizing agent
- , the production and behavior of materials at very low temperatures, is crucial in the liquefaction and storage of oxygen for various applications
Key Terms to Review (52)
$PO_4^{3-}$: $PO_4^{3-}$ is the phosphate ion, a polyatomic ion consisting of one phosphorus atom covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms. It is an important ion in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen as it is a fundamental component of many oxygen-containing compounds and plays a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes.
Allotropes: Allotropes are different structural forms of the same chemical element that exist in the same physical state. These unique arrangements of atoms can result in materials with vastly different physical and chemical properties, despite being composed of the same element.
Atmospheric Pressure: Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air above a surface, typically measured in units like atmospheres (atm) or pascals (Pa). It plays a crucial role in various natural processes, influencing weather patterns, the behavior of gases, and the formation of compounds, especially oxygen. Understanding atmospheric pressure is essential when studying how oxygen occurs in the environment, its preparation methods, and its behavior in various compounds.
BaO2: BaO2, or barium peroxide, is an inorganic compound composed of barium and oxygen. It is an important compound in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen, as it is a source of reactive oxygen species and has various industrial applications.
Base anhydrides: Base anhydrides are oxides of metals that react with water to form a base. They are typically formed from the removal of water from a hydroxide.
BaSO4: BaSO4, or barium sulfate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound composed of barium and sulfate ions. It is a key term in the context of the topics: 18.9 Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Oxygen, as it is a significant compound of oxygen and is found in nature as well as produced industrially.
Ca(OH)2: Ca(OH)2, also known as calcium hydroxide or slaked lime, is a chemical compound that is formed when calcium oxide (CaO) reacts with water. It is an important compound in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen.
CaO: CaO, or calcium oxide, is a chemical compound that is commonly known as lime or quicklime. It is a white, crystalline solid that is produced by the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate, and it plays a crucial role in various industrial and chemical processes related to the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen.
Chlor-alkali process: The chlor-alkali process is an industrial method for the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution to produce chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). It plays a crucial role in chemical manufacturing, providing essential reagents for various applications.
CO2: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless gas that is present in the atmosphere and is a product of various chemical and biological processes. It is a key player in the carbon cycle and has important implications in the context of writing and balancing chemical equations, molecular structure and polarity, as well as the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen.
Combustion: Combustion is a chemical reaction that occurs when a fuel, such as a hydrocarbon, reacts with an oxidizing agent, typically oxygen, to release energy in the form of heat and light. This exothermic reaction is a fundamental process in the understanding of chemistry, particularly in the context of stoichiometry, the occurrence and preparation of oxygen, and the properties of hydrocarbons.
Combustion analysis: Combustion analysis is a method used to determine the elemental composition, especially carbon and hydrogen, of an organic compound by burning the sample and analyzing the resulting products. This technique is essential for quantitative chemical analysis.
Cryogenics: Cryogenics is the study of the production and behavior of materials at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C or -238°F. It encompasses the scientific principles and techniques involved in the liquefaction, storage, and handling of gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and the noble gases, which become liquids at these ultra-low temperatures.
Dioxygen: Dioxygen is a diatomic molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms bonded together, commonly represented as O₂. It plays a vital role in various chemical processes, including respiration in living organisms and combustion in fuels. Understanding dioxygen is essential for exploring its occurrence in nature, how it can be prepared in the laboratory, and its role in forming various compounds.
Electrolysis: Electrolysis is a chemical process in which electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It involves passing an electric current through an electrolyte, causing ions to move and resulting in the deposition of substances at the electrodes.
Electrolysis: Electrolysis is the process of using electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It involves the decomposition of chemical compounds by passing an electric current through them, resulting in the separation of their constituent elements. This process is fundamental to various applications, including the production of metals, the treatment of water, and the recharging of batteries.
Fe2O3: Fe2O3, also known as iron(III) oxide or ferric oxide, is a chemical compound composed of two iron atoms and three oxygen atoms. It is a reddish-brown solid that is an important compound in the context of the topics: Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Oxygen.
Fractional Distillation: Fractional distillation is a separation technique used to purify and isolate different components from a complex mixture, such as crude oil or natural gas. It involves the selective evaporation and condensation of the components based on their different boiling points, allowing for the separation and collection of individual substances.
H2O: H2O, or water, is a chemical compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a single oxygen atom. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is essential for life on Earth, playing crucial roles in various chemical and physical processes across multiple topics in chemistry.
H2O2: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. It is a colorless liquid with a slightly pungent odor and is widely used in various applications, including disinfection, oxidation, and as a bleaching agent.
H2SO4: H2SO4, or sulfuric acid, is a strong, corrosive mineral acid that plays a crucial role in both polyprotic acid chemistry and the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen. It is a colorless, odorless, and dense liquid that is widely used in various industrial and chemical processes.
H3PO4: H3PO4, also known as phosphoric acid, is a polyprotic acid that plays a significant role in various chemical processes, particularly in the context of polyprotic acids, the occurrence and properties of phosphorus, and the occurrence and compounds of oxygen.
Haber Process: The Haber process, also known as the Haber-Bosch process, is a critical industrial chemical process that enables the large-scale production of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen. This process is essential for the manufacturing of fertilizers, which are crucial for sustaining global food production.
HNO3: HNO3, also known as nitric acid, is a highly corrosive and oxidizing chemical compound that is a key component in the study of nitrogen and oxygen chemistry. It is a colorless, fuming liquid that is widely used in various industrial and laboratory applications.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a colorless, slightly viscous liquid that is commonly used as an oxidizing agent, disinfectant, and bleaching agent. It is a compound of oxygen and hydrogen, and its unique chemical properties make it an important substance in the context of occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen.
Hydrogen sulfates: Hydrogen sulfates, also known as bisulfates, are salts or esters of sulfuric acid where one hydrogen atom has been replaced by a metal or organic group. They typically form acidic solutions when dissolved in water.
Hydrogen sulfites: Hydrogen sulfites, also known as bisulfites, are the conjugate base of sulfurous acid (H2SO3). They commonly exist in solution and are used as preservatives and reducing agents.
KOH: KOH, or potassium hydroxide, is a strong alkaline compound that plays a crucial role in the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen. It is a widely used chemical with various industrial and household applications.
MgO: MgO, or magnesium oxide, is a chemical compound consisting of one magnesium atom and one oxygen atom. It is a white, crystalline solid that is widely used in various industrial and chemical applications. MgO is particularly relevant in the context of the topics: 7.5 Strengths of Ionic and Covalent Bonds, 10.5 The Solid State of Matter, 18.2 Occurrence and Preparation of the Representative Metals, and 18.9 Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Oxygen.
Na2O2: Sodium peroxide (Na2O2) is an inorganic compound consisting of sodium and oxygen, where each sodium atom is bonded to an oxygen atom, forming the peroxide ion. This compound plays a significant role in various chemical reactions, especially those involving the production of reactive oxygen species and in the bleaching process. Its unique properties make it valuable in both industrial applications and laboratory settings.
Na2SO4: Na2SO4, also known as sodium sulfate, is an inorganic compound composed of two sodium atoms and one sulfur atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. It is a white, crystalline solid that is widely used in various applications, particularly in the context of the topics: 18.9 Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Oxygen.
NaOH: NaOH, or sodium hydroxide, is a strong base that plays a crucial role in various chemical processes, including electrolytes, buffers, and the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen. It is a highly reactive and corrosive chemical with a wide range of applications in industry, science, and everyday life.
NO3^-: The nitrate ion, NO3^-, is a polyatomic ion consisting of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. It is an important ion in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen discussed in Chapter 18.9.
O2: Oxygen, or O2, is a colorless, odorless, and highly reactive gas that is essential for the survival of most living organisms on Earth. It is the second most abundant element in the Earth's atmosphere and plays a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes.
Ostwald process: The Ostwald process is an industrial method for producing nitric acid by oxidizing ammonia. This process involves a series of catalytic reactions using platinum-rhodium gauze.
Oxidation: Oxidation is a chemical reaction where an atom, ion, or molecule loses electrons. It often involves gaining oxygen or losing hydrogen.
Oxidation: Oxidation is a fundamental chemical process in which an element or compound loses electrons, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state. This term is central to understanding redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions, the functioning of electrochemical cells, corrosion, and the properties and behavior of oxygen, sulfur, and various organic compounds.
Oxides: Oxides are compounds that contain at least one oxygen atom and one other element. They are typically formed through the reaction of oxygen with metals, metalloids, or nonmetals.
Oxygen: Oxygen is a highly reactive nonmetallic element that is essential for most forms of life. It is the third most abundant element in the universe and the most abundant element on Earth's crust. Oxygen plays a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes, including respiration, combustion, and oxidation-reduction reactions.
Ozone: Ozone is a triatomic molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms (O$_3$). It plays a crucial role in absorbing ultraviolet radiation in the Earth's stratosphere.
Ozone: Ozone is a highly reactive allotrope of oxygen, consisting of three oxygen atoms bonded together. It plays a crucial role in the Earth's atmosphere, acting as a protective shield against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, while also being a significant component of photochemical smog at ground level.
Ozone Layer: The ozone layer is a region of the Earth's upper atmosphere, the stratosphere, which contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules. This layer plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, shielding the Earth's surface and its inhabitants from its damaging effects.
Paramagnetic: Paramagnetic materials are substances that have a weak positive susceptibility to an applied magnetic field, meaning they are slightly attracted to magnetic fields. This property arises from the presence of unpaired electrons within the material's atoms or molecules.
Peroxides: Peroxides are compounds containing an oxygen-oxygen single bond (O-O). They are often used as oxidizing agents and have the general formula $R-O-O-R'$, where R and R' can be hydrogen or organic groups.
Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is a process used by green plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This involves the transformation of carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose using sunlight.
Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and other organisms use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar. It is a fundamental biological process that is essential for the survival of most life on Earth, as it provides the primary source of energy and oxygen for many organisms.
Redox Reactions: Redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions are a fundamental type of chemical reaction where the transfer of electrons occurs between two or more reactants. In these reactions, one substance is oxidized (loses electrons) while another is reduced (gains electrons), maintaining the overall charge balance.
Respiration: Respiration is the biological process by which cells in living organisms convert the chemical energy from nutrients into a form that can be used by the organism. It is a fundamental process that is closely related to the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of oxygen, as oxygen is a key reactant in cellular respiration.
SO4^{2-}: SO4^{2-} is the sulfate ion, a polyatomic ion consisting of one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms, with a charge of negative two. It is an important anion that is commonly found in various compounds and plays a crucial role in the topics of Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Oxygen.
Sulfates: Sulfates are salts or esters of sulfuric acid containing the anion $SO_4^{2-}$. They are commonly found in minerals, industrial processes, and biological systems.
Sulfites: Sulfites are compounds that contain the sulfite ion $SO_3^{2-}$. They commonly serve as preservatives in food and beverages.
Superoxides: Superoxides are compounds that contain the superoxide anion $O_2^-$. They are typically formed by alkali metals and some other metals.