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What is the difference between peroxide and superoxide?

Answer
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Hint : Oxides are compounds containing one or more oxygen atoms. Both peroxide and superoxide are oxides that contain oxygen atoms. But there are some differences between these oxides. Oxidation state of peroxide and superoxide is different.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Peroxides are composed of an oxygen-oxygen single bond. Where the OO bond length is 1.490A The electronic charge on peroxide is 2 . Examples of peroxide compounds include Na2O2 , K2O2 and H2O2
Now, let’s talk about superoxide.
Superoxides are compounds containing the anion O2 , The electronic charge is 1 , The OO bond length in superoxide is 1.330A . Examples of superoxide compounds include NaO2 , KO2 and RbO2
The major difference between a peroxide and a superoxide is the oxidation state of oxygen. In superoxide, the oxidation state of oxygen is 0.5 . While in case of peroxide, the oxidation state of oxygen is 1
Important point to keep in mind is that metals such as alkali, earth alkali and non-metals can form peroxide compounds. But only alkali metals can form superoxide compounds.

Additional Information:
If superoxide is dissolved in water, it will rapidly undergo a disproportionation reaction forming O2 and OH ions. Peroxides can be easily found in nature and in biological systems. Some plants use peroxide as a signalling chemical. Certain cells in our body use peroxides to catalyse the chemical reactions. Peroxide is also a very useful reagent in organic chemistry.

Note :
Apart from oxidation state there are many other differences as well between these oxides. Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest peroxide. Also, superoxide is composed of highly reactive oxygen atoms.
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