Lithium forms monoide, sodium gives peroxide while the rest of the alkali form superoxides. Explain

Lithium forms monoxide, sodium gives peroxide while the rest of the alkali metals form superoxide. Explain

Explain the following: (a) KO_2 is paramagnetic. (b) Lithium forms oxide, sodium forms peroxide while potassium and rubidium form superoxides. (c) BaO is soluble but BaSO_4 is insoluble in water.

Lithium forms monoxide while sodium forms peroxide in the presence of excess oxygen-why?

Diethyl ether forms peroxide easily while anisole does not form peroxide easily - Explain.

Diethyl ether forms peroxide easily while anisole does not form peroxide easily - Explain.

Diethyl ether forms peroxide easily while anisole does not form peroxide easily - Explain.

Diethyl ether forms peroxide easily while anisole does not form peroxide easily - Explain.

Alkali metals on combustion in excess of air form different type of oxides depending on the size of metal cations e.g . lithium forms mainly the oxide Li_2O , sodium forms peroxide and some super oxides NaO_2 and potassium, Rubidium and caesium form the superoxides, MO_2 . The stability of peroxide and superoxide increases, as the size of the metal cation increases because of the stabilisation of larger anion by larger cations through lattice energy effect. These oxides are easily hydrolysed by water. The oxides and the peroxides are colourless when pure, but the superoxides are yellow or orange in colour. Peroxide and superoxide of sodium and potassium are widely used as oxidising agent and as air purifier in space capsules, submarines and breathing mask. When sodium reacts with excess of oxygen at 350^@ C , the oxidation number of oxygen per atom changes from: