Sodium does not form superoxide. Why ?
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Answer:
Sodium can't form superoxide compounds due to difference in size of the ions.
Explanation:
The stability of the lattice of a ionic compound depends on the size difference of the cation and anion. Less the difference of the cation and anion results higher stability in the lattice of a ionic compound.
In this case , Sodium ( Na ) can not form superoxide ( O₂⁻ ) compounds but in the other hand Potassium ( K ) can form superoxide( KO₂ ) compounds having in the same group as Na .
The reason is , the difference of size between Na⁺ and O₂⁻ is comparatively higher than the size between K⁺ and O₂⁻ . So , the lattice between Na⁺ and O₂⁻ does not gain enough stability to form a superoxide compound like K⁺ and O₂⁻ does .
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