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Oxygen

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Identification
Molecular formula
O2
CAS number
7782-44-7
IUPAC name
molecular oxygen
State
State

Oxygen is a gaseous substance at room temperature, crucial for the respiration of most terrestrial life forms. It is non-flammable but supports combustion.

Melting point (Celsius)
-218.79
Melting point (Kelvin)
54.36
Boiling point (Celsius)
-183.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
90.15
General information
Molecular weight
32.00g/mol
Molar mass
32.0000g/mol
Density
0.0014g/cm3
Appearence

Oxygen is a colorless and odorless diatomic gas under standard conditions. It does not have any distinct visible characteristics in its gaseous state.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Molecular Oxygen (O2)

When considering the solubility of molecular oxygen (O2), it's essential to recognize its unique behavior in various environments:

  • Water Solubility: Oxygen has relatively low solubility in water. Under standard conditions, approximately 0.0032 g per 100 mL of water can dissolve. This limited solubility has significant implications for aquatic organisms, as it affects their ability to respire.
  • Temperature Effect: The solubility of O2 decreases with an increase in temperature. This phenomenon can lead to oxygen-poor conditions in warmer bodies of water, which can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic life.
  • Presence of Salts: Salinity also plays a crucial role; in seawater, the solubility of oxygen is lower than in freshwater because dissolved salts interfere with the interaction between oxygen molecules and water.
  • Pressure Influence: According to Henry's law, the solubility of O2 in liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid. Therefore, increasing the pressure can increase the amount of oxygen that dissolved, which is why deep-sea organisms can thrive where pressures are high.

In conclusion, while oxygen is vital for many forms of life, its solubility characteristics highlight the delicate balance necessary for ecosystems, where changes in temperature, salinity, and pressure can have profound effects on biological processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Molecular Oxygen (O2)

Molecular oxygen, commonly known as O2, is an essential diatomic molecule that plays a crucial role in life on Earth. Here are some intriguing aspects of this vital compound:

  • Life's Breath: O2 is fundamental for the respiration of most living organisms. It serves as the terminal electron acceptor in cellular respiration, allowing cells to generate energy.
  • Photosynthesis Partner: Plants, algae, and some bacteria produce O2 as a byproduct of photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. It's a perfect example of nature's efficiency!
  • Ozone Connection: O2 is closely linked to ozone (O3), which plays a protective role in the atmosphere by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
  • Reactive Nature: Molecular oxygen is known for its reactivity and tendency to form *free radicals*, which can lead to oxidative stress in biological systems. While beneficial in controlled amounts, excessive free radicals can cause cellular damage.
  • Historical Significance: The discovery of O2, carried out by Joseph Priestley in 1774, revolutionized science and laid the foundation for modern chemistry and biology.

In summary, O2 is more than just a gas; it is a critical component of life and the environment, deeply intertwined with biological processes and ecological balance. As the renowned chemist Antoine Lavoisier stated, "Oxygen is what gives life to the universe." This statement perfectly encapsulates the profound significance of molecular oxygen in our world.

Synonyms
oxygen
7782-44-7
O
Molecular oxygen
oxygen molecule
Dioxygen
Pure oxygen
Oxygenium
Hyperoxia
Liquid oxygen
Oxygen-16
Oxygen, liquified
oxygene
Oxygenium medicinale
Sauerstoff
Oxygen (liquid)
oxigeno
Compressed oxygen
CCRIS 1228
HSDB 5054
dioxygene
Disauerstoff
O2
Oxygen USP
EINECS 231-956-9
Oxygen, compressed
UN1072
UN1073
Oxygen [USP]
RNS60 COMPONENT OXYGEN
INS NO.948
RNS-60 COMPONENT OXYGEN
UNII-S88TT14065
CHEBI:15379
INS-948
E-948
S88TT14065
E948
Peroxide Ion
LOX
DTXSID2037681
Oxygen (USP)
E 948
OXYGEN (MART.)
OXYGEN [MART.]
Oxygene [French]
Oxigeno [Spanish]
OXY
OXYGEN (EP MONOGRAPH)
OXYGEN [EP MONOGRAPH]
OXYGEN (USP MONOGRAPH)
OXYGEN [USP MONOGRAPH]
(OO)
[OO]
Oxygen 16
dioxidanediyl
oxygen monoxide
oxygencompressed
Oxigeno gaseoso
Air Compressed
singlet dioxygen
triplet dioxygen
O2hundred
reconstituted Air
Oxygen Compressed
Oxygen Size B
Oxygen Size C
Oxygen Size D
Oxygen Size E
Oxygen Size F
Oxygen Size H
Oxygen Size M
Oxygen Size T
Oxygen, USP
G02 Therapy
Ez-OX Plus
Oxygen 93 percent
Oxygen Size 400
Focus Medical Oxygen
Ez-OX
Hyperbaric Chamber Mix
Vet O2
0XYGEN
singlet molecular oxygen
triplet molecular oxygen
Oxygen (8CI,9CI)
OXYGEN [VANDF]
OXYGEN [HSDB]
OXYGEN [JAN]
Medical Oxygen Compressed
Oxygen (JP18/USP)
OXYGEN [WHO-DD]
OXYGEN [WHO-IP]
OXYGEN [MI]
dioxygen(2.) (triplet)
Oxygen, >=99.6%
OXYGEN [GREEN BOOK]
Oxygen, compressed [UN1072] [Nonflammable gas]
OXYGEN, (COMPRESSED)
Oxygen64889-0001
AIR COMPRESSEDMEDICAL AIR
Oxygen, >=99.998%
CHEMBL1234886
DTXCID0017681
CHEBI:26689
CHEBI:27140
Medical Gasseous Oxygen Cylinders
OXYGENIUM [WHO-IP LATIN]
Southern Medical Oxygen, Compressed
Oxygen, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid) [UN1073] [Nonflammable gas]
DB09140
UN 1072
UN 1073
Oxygen, Messer(R) CANGas, 99.999%
DS-014940
(1)O2
NS00076229
C00007
D00003
O2(2.)
Oxygen, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)
Oxygen, compressed [UN1072] [Nonflammable gas]
(O2)(..)
(O2)(2.)
Q5203615
Oxygen4c21e554-d402-480d-896d-8185c05c7863
AQUANAL(TM)-plus oxygen (O2) 1-12 mg/L, refill pack for 37428
AQUANAL(TM)-plus oxygen (O2) 1-12 mg/L, test set with color comparator
4-Chloro-3-(chloro-difluoro-methyl)-4,4-difluoro-1-thiophen-2-yl-but-2-en-2-one
Oxygen, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid) [UN1073] [Nonflammable gas]
231-956-9