Oxygen
O₂
32.00 g·mol⁻¹○ Non‑polarlinear
Oxygen (O₂) is a diatomic, non‑polar molecule essential for cellular respiration in aerobic organisms.
Overview
Oxygen is the chemical element with symbol O and atomic number 8. In its most common molecular form, dioxygen (O₂), two oxygen atoms are joined by a double bond (one σ bond and one π bond). Each oxygen also carries two lone pairs. O₂ is paramagnetic due to two unpaired electrons in its π* orbitals. It is essential for respiration and combustion, making up about 21% of Earth's atmosphere by volume.
Properties
| IUPAC Name | Oxygen |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | O₂ |
| Molar Mass | 31.999 g·mol⁻¹ |
| Molecular Geometry | linear |
| Bond Angle | N/A |
| Polarity | Non‑polar |
| Category | Inorganic |
Geometry
linear: Linear — 180° bond angle, atoms arranged in a straight line.