When Potassium Superoxide () and Sodium Peroxide () are individually treated with excess water, they — s Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Hydrolysis of a peroxide ($Na_2O_2 + 2H_2O \rightarrow 2NaOH + H_2O_2$) yields hydrogen peroxide but no gas directly at room temperature. Hydrolysis of a superoxide ($2KO_2 + 2H_2O \rightarrow 2KOH + H_2O_2 + O_2 \uparrow$) yields hydrogen peroxide AND liberates oxygen gas.