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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: xshadow on January 10, 2021, 11:47:02 AM

Title: K + O2 --> K2O or KO2
Post by: xshadow on January 10, 2021, 11:47:02 AM

I don't understand what is the product I get when I put potassium in contact with air...

I'll get K₂O or KO₂...some textbooks say the first one other the second
*delete me*! Thanks!!

Title: Re: K + O2 --> K2O or KO2
Post by: AWK on January 10, 2021, 12:28:54 PM

https://www.webelements.com/potassium/chemistry.html

Title: Re: K + O2 --> K2O or KO2
Post by: xshadow on January 10, 2021, 06:33:19 PM

Quote from: AWK on January 10, 2021, 12:28:54 PM

https://www.webelements.com/potassium/chemistry.html

So if I burn (heat?)  K + O₂ I'll get KO₂

But if potassium reacts with oxygen without "burning" will I get  K₂O instead?
Or without burning nothing happens ...?


Thanks!!

Title: Re: K + O2 --> K2O or KO2
Post by: AWK on January 10, 2021, 06:42:46 PM

During burning - mainly KO₂, otherways mixture of K₂O₂ and K₂O, with ozone - KO₃

Title: Re: K + O2 --> K2O or KO2
Post by: Borek on January 11, 2021, 03:53:03 AM

Broadly speaking there is no simple answer to the question about which oxide is produced. You will almost always get a mixture of oxides. Which one dominates depends on exact reaction conditions and composition of mixture of reagents. Then, the oxides can further quickly decompose, making things even more complicated.

Title: Re: K + O2 --> K2O or KO2
Post by: xshadow on January 11, 2021, 04:46:08 AM

understood!!
Thanks guys!! :)