Question

Which of the following have peroxy linkages?
A. $K{O_2}$
B. $Ru{O_4}$
C. $Ba{O_2}$
D. ${H_3}P{O_5}$

Answer 1

Hint: The bond between two two oxygen atoms in a molecule known as peroxy or peroxide linkage. Peroxides used to be unstable. When they are heated they release oxygen. In peroxides $- O - O -$ group is termed as peroxy linkage. Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest peroxide compound. In oxides oxygen has $- 2$ charge while in peroxide oxygen has $- 1$ charge. Hence we can get to know whether the compound is oxide or peroxide by calculating the oxidation number of oxygen.

Step-By-Step answer:
$K{O_2}$ is known as potassium superoxide. It is paramagnetic in nature. It is formed by the direct reaction of oxygen gas and potassium metal. It is very useful in respiratory equipment as it liberates oxygen and removes carbon dioxide and water vapour.
$Ru{O_4}$ is called ruthenium tetroxide which is a very strong oxidising agent. Ruthenium atoms make double bonds with four oxygen atoms so it does not have peroxy linkage.
$Ba{O_2}$ is a peroxide because in $Ba{O_2}$ the oxidation state of barium is $+ 2$ and oxygen has oxidation number $- 1$.
${H_3}P{O_5}$ is known as peroxy monophosphoric acid. It has five oxygen atoms in a molecule where phosphorus makes two single bonds with two oxygen atoms and one double bond with an oxygen atom and a peroxide bond with $- O - O -$. Hence it is a peroxide.
Hence there two options are correct that are Option C and D that means $Ba{O_2}$ and ${H_3}P{O_5}$ molecules have peroxide linkage.

Note: We have approached this problem by investing in each option. Organic and inorganic peroxides are useful in manufactures of bleaching agents, as initiators of polymerization reactions and preparation of hydrogen peroxide.