tetraoxide

Tetraoxide is a chemical term referring to a compound containing four oxygen atoms. This suffix is generally appended to the name of another element to indicate the number of oxygen atoms in the oxide. For example, sulfur tetraoxide, SO4, is a theoretical compound that has not been definitively observed. In contrast, nitrogen tetraoxide, N2O4, is a well-known compound, also known as dinitrogen tetroxide. This substance is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and is a dimer of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). It is a powerful oxidizing agent and is used in rocket propellants. Another example is xenon tetraoxide, XeO4, a rare and unstable compound of xenon and oxygen. It is a volatile solid and a powerful oxidizer. The term tetraoxide highlights a specific stoichiometry within a class of compounds, emphasizing the presence of four oxygen atoms per molecule or formula unit, in conjunction with one or more other elements. Their properties vary widely depending on the element bonded to the oxygen.