Why is the Size of Superoxide Larger than Peroxide?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the comparative sizes of superoxide and peroxide, exploring the underlying reasons for the observed differences in size. It includes theoretical considerations and interpretations of chemical bonding and oxidation states.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the size difference may be related to the bond strength, with superoxide (O2-) forming weaker bonds than peroxide (O22-).
  • It is noted that superoxide reacts with one cation (KO2), while peroxide reacts with two cations (e.g., H2O2), which may influence their respective sizes.
  • One participant points out that the number of atoms and bond lengths also contribute to the size of a molecule, linking this to the original question about superoxide and peroxide.
  • Another participant mentions the oxidation states, indicating that superoxide has an oxidation state of -1/2 and peroxide has -1, with potassium (K) and hydrogen (H) being +1 cations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the statements made, and while there is some understanding of the concepts, the discussion does not reach a consensus on the reasons for the size difference between superoxide and peroxide.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the definitions of size and bonding are not fully explored, and the discussion includes unresolved questions about the implications of oxidation states and molecular structure.

real
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why the size of superoxide is lager than preoxide??
 
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See this for a brief discussion - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superoxide - but basically the superoxide radical O2- would produce a weaker bond than O22-. On the other hand superoxide only reacts/bonds with one cation (KO2), as opposed to two cations in the case of peroxide (e.g. H2O2).
 
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thanks a lots
 
what is the meaning of this statement??
"On the other hand superoxide only reacts/bonds with one cation (KO2), as opposed to two cations in the case of peroxide (e.g. H2O2)."
 
The number of atoms would also determine the 'size' of a molecule, in addition to the bond 'lengths'. I was thinking of the original question - "why the size of superoxide is larger than peroxide".
 
real said:
what is the meaning of this statement??
"On the other hand superoxide only reacts/bonds with one cation (KO2), as opposed to two cations in the case of peroxide (e.g. H2O2)."

oxidation state of superoxide is -1/2, peroxide is -1. K and H are both +1 cations.
 
i see. I get your point, thanks~!
 

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