Potassium superoxide

Potassium superoxide is an inorganic ionic compound, KO₂, made of potassium ions and superoxide ions. It reacts with water and carbon dioxide in ways that can release oxygen.

Superoxide ion: The diatomic anion O₂⁻, formed when molecular oxygen gains one electron. This reactive anion is the oxygen-bearing component of KO₂.
Self-contained breathing apparatus: A portable device that supplies breathable gas independently of the surrounding atmosphere. Some closed-circuit designs use KO₂ to regenerate oxygen from the wearer’s exhaled carbon dioxide and moisture.
Potassium: A soft, highly reactive alkali metal with atomic number 19 and symbol K. Potassium forms the K⁺ cation in potassium superoxide.
Oxidizing agent: A substance that accepts electrons from another substance in a redox reaction. KO₂ can oxidize other materials as its superoxide ions participate in electron-transfer reactions.
Potassium hydroxide: An ionic compound, KOH, consisting of potassium and hydroxide ions. Water reacting with KO₂ produces potassium hydroxide alongside oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
Rebreather: A breathing system that recirculates exhaled gas after removing carbon dioxide and restoring oxygen. KO₂ can perform both gas-regeneration functions in compact rebreather designs.
Ionic compound: A substance composed of oppositely charged ions held together by electrostatic attraction. KO₂ is an ionic solid built from K⁺ and O₂⁻ rather than separate neutral atoms.
Water reactivity: The tendency of a substance to undergo chemical change when exposed to water. Moisture triggers KO₂ decomposition and gas-producing reactions, complicating storage and handling.
Hydrogen peroxide: A reactive compound, H₂O₂, composed of hydrogen and oxygen. It is an intermediate product when KO₂ reacts with water.
Space suit: A pressurized garment that protects a person and provides life support in space or vacuum. Chemical oxygen generation by KO₂ is relevant to compact emergency life-support systems.

Linked from 3 pages