oxideionen

Oxideionen, also known as oxide ions, are chemical species consisting of an oxygen atom that has gained one or two electrons. This results in a negatively charged ion, with the chemical formula O^2- for the most common form, oxide. A less common form, the superoxide ion, has the formula O2- and is a diatomic ion.

Oxide ions are fundamental building blocks in a vast array of chemical compounds, particularly ionic compounds like metal oxides. In these compounds, the highly electronegative oxygen atom readily accepts electrons from less electronegative elements, forming strong ionic bonds. Examples include common substances like magnesium oxide (MgO), iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

The stability of the oxide ion is due to the high electron affinity of oxygen. The gain of two electrons fills oxygen's valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration. This tendency to form oxide ions is a key factor in many chemical reactions, including oxidation processes and the formation of geological minerals. The reactivity and properties of oxide-containing materials are heavily influenced by the presence and bonding of these ions.