Sauerstoffketten

Sauerstoffketten, a German term often translated as "oxygen chains," refers to a series of connected oxygen atoms, typically in a linear or branched structure. While the most common form of oxygen is diatomic (O2), compounds with multiple oxygen atoms in a chain-like arrangement can exist. Peroxides, for instance, contain an oxygen-oxygen single bond (O-O), which can be considered the simplest form of an oxygen chain. More complex structures can involve three or more oxygen atoms.

These oxygen chains are often highly reactive and can be unstable. Their reactivity stems from the weak oxygen-oxygen bonds and the tendency of oxygen to readily accept electrons. This makes them potent oxidizing agents. Some examples of molecules containing oxygen chains include ozonides, which are cyclic compounds formed from ozone reacting with alkenes and containing a peroxide-like O3 group. Superoxides and ozonides are also examples of species where oxygen atoms are bonded to each other in ways beyond the simple O2 molecule.

The study of oxygen chains is important in various fields of chemistry, including atmospheric chemistry, organic synthesis, and the understanding of reactive oxygen species in biological systems. While not as common as diatomic oxygen, these structures play significant roles in chemical reactions and can be intermediates or products in various processes. Their instability often means they are transient species, but their presence can have profound effects on the chemical environment.