Question

Which is more stable peroxide or superoxide?

Answer 1

1. The stability order of superoxide and peroxide will decrease down the group.
2. Superoxide and peroxide are generally bigger in size.
3. The chemical formula of peroxide is ${\mathrm{O}}_2^{2-}$
4. The chemical formula of superoxide is ${\mathrm{O}}_2^{-1}$
5. Down the group the stability of peroxide varies, i.e. it first increases and then decreases.
6. Similarly, in the case of superoxide, stability will decrease down the group.
7. Thus, superoxide is less stable than peroxide.
8. Example: Sodium-ion contains a weak positive field around them so it forms stable peroxide and hence the super oxide is less stable. ${\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2>{\mathrm{NaO}}_2$