Sodium superoxide

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Sodium superoxide
Image:Sodium superoxide.jpg
IUPAC name sodium(I) superoxide
Other names sodium superoxide
Identifiers
CAS number [12034-12-7]
Properties
Molecular formula NaO2
Molar mass 54.989 g/mol
Appearance Yellow crystalline solid
Density 2200 Kg M-3
Melting point

552°C

Boiling point

Decomposes

Solubility in water Decomposes
Basicity (pKb) N/A
Hazards
EU classification Corrosive
NFPA 704
0
3
1
 
R-phrases R35
S-phrases S1/2, S26, S37/39, S45
Flash point Non flammable
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Sodium superoxide is the inorganic compound with the formula NaO2. This yellow-orange solid is a salt of the superoxide anion. It is an intermediate in the oxidation of sodium by oxygen.

NaO2 is prepared by treating sodium peroxide with oxygen at high pressures:[1]

Na2O2 + O2 → 2 NaO2

It can also be prepared by careful oxygenation of a solution of sodium in ammonia:

Na + O2 → NaO2

The product is highly paramagnetic, as expected for a salt of the O2 anion. It hydrolyses readily to give a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium peroxide, as signaled by the bleaching of the sample. It crystallizes in the NaCl motif.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Stephen E. Stephanou, Edgar J. Seyb Jr., Jacob Kleinberg "Sodium Superoxide" Inorganic Syntheses 1953; Vol. 4, 82-85.