Question

Complete the below given reaction-
\[K{O_2} + C{O_2} \to ?(gas)\]
A.\[{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}\]
B.\[{{\text{N}}_{\text{2}}}\]
C.\[{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}\]
D.\[{\text{CO}}\]

Answer 1

Hint: We know that the potassium superoxide is an inorganic compound and has the formula \[{\text{K}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}\]. It's a paramagnetic yellow solid that breaks down in damp air. It's a rare example of a stable superoxide anion salt. When molten potassium is burned in an oxygen-rich environment, potassium superoxide is generated. Superoxide potassium is a powerful oxidant that can convert oxides to peroxides or molecular oxygen.

Complete answer:
We need to know that when potassium superoxide reacts with carbon dioxide, it produces oxygen and potassium carbonate.
The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is given by:
\[4K{O_{2(s)}} + 2C{O_{2(g)}} \to 2{K_2}C{O_{3(s)}} + 3{O_{2(g)}}\]
The gas liberated during this reaction is oxygen. Hence the correct option is C.
As a laboratory reagent, potassium superoxide has only a few applications. It is frequently studied in organic solvents because it reacts with water.

Hence the correct option is C.

Additional information:
Superoxide potassium is a powerful oxidant.
When coupled with a number of chemicals and compounds, such as water, acids, organics, or powdered graphite, it can generate explosive reactions.
When dry superoxide is mixed with organic oils like kerosene, it can generate an impact-sensitive explosive molecule.
The cleanup of potassium oxides from a sodium-potassium metal leak at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in $1999$ resulted in an impact-sensitive explosion while saturated with mineral oil.

Note:
We can note that in rebreathers, spacecraft, submarines, and spacesuit life support systems, potassium superoxide has been widely utilised as a carbon dioxide scrubber, water dehumidifier, and oxygen generator. It was also employed in rebreather canisters for firefighting and mine rescue work, but its usage in scuba rebreathers was limited due to its potentially explosive reactivity with water.