Q."O3 behaves as a strong oxidising agent." Explain.
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →O3 is a strong oxidant because it easily releases reactive nascent oxygen: O3 -> O2 + [O].
Ozone is thermodynamically unstable with respect to oxygen; its decomposition is exothermic:
2O3 -> 3O2 (ΔH is negative)
During this decomposition each ozone molecule breaks up to give a stable O2 molecule and one atom of nascent (atomic) oxygen:
O3 -> O2 + [O]
The nascent oxygen [O] so produced is extremely reactive and has a strong tendency to combine with (oxidise) other species. Because ozone readily supplies this active oxygen, it behaves as a powerful oxidising agent, stronger than ordinary O2.
Examples of its oxidising action:
- It oxidises lead sulphide to lead sulphate: PbS + 4O3 -> PbSO4 + 4O2 …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.