Oksygenoksid

Oksygenoksid is a broad class of chemical compounds consisting of oxygen bonded to another element. In most oxides the oxygen carries a 2− charge (oxide ion O2−), but this formalism changes for species with O–O bonds, such as peroxides and superoxides, where the effective oxidation states of oxygen differ.

Binary oxides cover a wide range of compounds. Metal oxides, such as calcium oxide (CaO) and iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), are common and often basic. Nonmetal oxides, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur trioxide (SO3), tend to be acidic. Some oxides are amphoteric, reacting with both acids and bases.

Special oxide families based on O–O bonding include peroxides (H2O2, Na2O2), superoxides (KO2) and ozonides (KO3). They contain explicit oxygen–oxygen bonds and have distinct chemical reactivity.

Occurrence and production: Oxides occur naturally as minerals (silica SiO2, alumina Al2O3, iron oxides Fe2O3/Fe3O4) and can be formed by oxidation of elements, calcination of hydroxides, or other industrial oxidation processes. They are central in many industries: cement production (CaO), ceramics and glass (SiO2, Al2O3), pigments and sunscreens (TiO2, ZnO), and electronics (SiO2 as an insulating layer).

Properties and safety: Oxides show wide variation in melting points, solubility, and reactivity. Some oxides are benign; others can be hazardous: toxic oxide species such as carbon monoxide (CO) and certain nitrogen oxides (NOx) require careful handling, and powdered oxides may pose inhalation risks.

See also: oxide.