1.

Knowing the electron gain enthalpy values for O → O− and O → O2− as −141 and 702 kJ mol−1 respectively, how can you account for the formation of a large number of oxides having O2− species and not O−?(Hint: Consider lattice energy factor in the formation of compounds).

Answer»

Stability of an ionic compound depends on its lattice energy. More the lattice energy of a
compound, more stable it will be. Lattice energy is directly proportional to the charge carried by an ion. When a metal combines with oxygen, the lattice energy of the oxide involving O2− ion is much more than
 the oxide involving O− ion. Hence, the oxide having O2− ions are more stable than oxides
having O−. Hence, we can say that formation of O2− is energetically more favourable than formation of O−.



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