Dioxygen

Dioxygen is the chemical compound with the formula O₂. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that makes up about 20.8% of the Earth's atmosphere. Dioxygen is essential for most forms of life, which use it in cellular respiration to produce energy.

Properties

Dioxygen is a simple diatomic molecule, consisting of two oxygen atoms bonded together. It is a paramagnetic diradical, meaning it has two unpaired electrons. This gives dioxygen its unique chemical reactivity, allowing it to participate in a wide range of chemical reactions.

Production

Dioxygen is produced naturally through photosynthesis, a process used by plants and some other organisms to convert sunlight into chemical energy. It can also be produced industrially through the fractional distillation of liquefied air.

Uses

Dioxygen is used in a variety of applications, including medical uses for oxygen therapy and in industrial processes as an oxidizer. It is also used in combustion reactions, such as those that power internal combustion engines.

Safety

While dioxygen is essential for life, it can also be harmful or lethal in high concentrations. Oxygen toxicity can occur if a person is exposed to high levels of dioxygen for a prolonged period of time.

See also

• Oxygen
• Oxygen therapy
• Photosynthesis
• Oxygen toxicity

References

Dioxygen Resources
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