Question

When potassium is reacted with water, which compound $(S)$ is are formed preferentially?

• A. $K_2O$
• B. $KO_2$
• C. Both $K_2O$ and $KO_2$
• D. $K_2O_2$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$KO_2$

Answer 2

Due to large size of Potassium $(K)$ atom, it preferentially accomodate and form the bonds with two small oxygen atoms to give $KO _{2}$.

Hence, $KO _{2}$ is the preferential product when potassium react with water.