Ozonidit

Ozonidit, or ozonide, is a class of chemical compounds that contain the ozonide anion, O3−, in ionic salts with metal cations. The ozonide ion is a reactive polyatomic oxide formed when ozone associates with alkali or alkaline-earth metals under anhydrous conditions. Common examples are the alkali metal ozonides, such as sodium ozonide NaO3 and potassium ozonide KO3.

Preparation and structure: Ozonides are typically synthesized by exposing solid alkali metal oxides or hydroxides to ozone under dry, oxygen-free conditions, or by direct combination of the metal with ozone in suitable media. In the solid state the ozonide ion resides in a lattice with the metal cations, and the material is highly moisture-sensitive.

Reactivity and stability: Ozonides are strong oxidizers. They react vigorously with water, acids, and many organic substrates, releasing oxygen and sometimes generating exothermic or explosive mixtures. They tend to decompose on heating or impact, forming oxide and oxygen gas.

Applications and occurrence: In practice, ozonides are primarily of theoretical and preparative interest in inorganic and organometallic chemistry; they are rarely used as practical reagents due to instability and hazards. In organic chemistry, ozone reacts with alkenes to form ozonides in situ during ozonolysis, and the ozonide intermediate is usually reduced or hydrolyzed to give carbonyl compounds.

Safety: Handling requires strictly dry, inert or controlled atmospheres and appropriate protective equipment, as ozonides can be highly reactive with moisture and other materials, with potential for ignition or explosion.