Ozone

Ozone is a very strong oxidizing agent that is capable of adding an oxygen molecule to stable ions, thus changing sulfides to sulfates, dioxides to trioxides, and so on. This property makes it useful as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. It is also used in the treatment of sewage and the manufacture of chemicals.

Ozone occurs naturally in the earth's upper atmosphere where it serves as an effective shield against harmful radiation from the sun. Commercial amounts are prepared by passing oxygen (0₂) through an electric spark. The pungent odor often detected around electrical equipment is often that of ozone.

Properties of Ozone

Ozone is a pale blue gas with a sharp, irritating odor. Ozone is poisonous. But, no human deaths have been attributed to ozone. Most people can detect about 0.01 ppm of ozone in the air. Exposure to 0.1-1 ppm of ozone produces headaches, burning of the eyes, and irritation to the respiratory passages.

Ozone as strong oxidizing agent than Oxygen

Because the ozone molecule dissociates so readily forming reactive oxygen atoms, it is not surprising that ozone is a stronger oxidizing agent than oxygen.

Ozone forms oxides with many elements under conditions where oxygen will not react. Ozone oxidizes all of the common metals except gold and platinum. Ozone can be prepared by passing electricity through dry oxygen. The decomposition of ozone is catalyzed by certain metals such as Ag, Pt, and Pd, and by many transition metal oxides.