s Block ElementshardNUMERICAL

Let be the number of alkali metals that form superoxides as their major product when heated in excess Block Elements Chemistry Question

Question

Let $x$ be the number of alkali metals that form superoxides as their major product when heated in excess oxygen. Let $y$ be the number of unpaired electrons in a single superoxide ion ($O_2^-$). What is the value of $x \times y$?

Answer: 3

💡 Solution & Explanation

The alkali metals that form superoxides as their major product are K, Rb, and Cs, so $x = 3$. The superoxide ion ($O_2^-$) has a 3-electron covalent bond with exactly 1 unpaired electron (paramagnetic), so $y = 1$. The product $3 \times 1 = 3$.

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