Why Do Sodium and Potassium Form Peroxides and Superoxides When They Burn?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the formation of peroxides and superoxides by sodium and potassium when they burn in dioxygen. Participants explore the underlying chemistry and energetics involved in these reactions, as well as the potential for other products such as metal oxides.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why sodium and potassium do not simply form regular metal oxides during combustion.
  • Another participant suggests that the formation of peroxides and superoxides is energetically more favorable for sodium and potassium.
  • A participant requests further clarification on the specific concerns regarding these reactions to better address the inquiry.
  • There is mention of the possibility of forming some amount of metal oxide alongside peroxides and superoxides.
  • A link to an external resource is provided, which is said to explain the reactions of Group I elements with dioxygen.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasons behind the formation of peroxides and superoxides, indicating that multiple competing explanations exist without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific conditions or assumptions that may influence the formation of different products during the reactions.

praeclarum
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Why do sodium and potassium form peroxides and superoxides when they burn?
 
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I'm not sure exactly what the issue is - what else could (reasonably) form given what is known about the chemistry of those metals and dioxygen? One will also form some amount of metal oxide in both reactions.

If you could share some more details about what is troubling you about these reactions, it might be helpful in satisfying your curiosity.
 
Well, why don't they form just the regular metal oxide? And why is superoxide superoxide more than peroxide with K?
 
Essentially, it's a matter of energetics - it's more favorable to produce the peroxides and superoxides for sodium and potassium. The following website -

http://www.chemguide.co.uk/inorganic/group1/reacto2.html

- does a nice, succinct job in describing what's going on in these reactions (and for the rest of the Group I elements).
 

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