Question:

The compound which does not exist.

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Be careful with superoxides. While potassium, rubidium, and cesium form stable superoxides, sodium superoxide is generally not stable under normal conditions

Updated On: Mar 21, 2025
  • BeCl2
  • NaO2

  • PbEt4
  • (NH4)2 BeF4
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The Correct Option is B

Approach Solution - 1

Analysis of the Given Compounds: 

  • NaO2: This compound does not exist. The correct formula for this compound is Na2O, which is sodium oxide.
  • BeCl2: This is beryllium chloride, a valid and known chemical compound.
  • PbEt4: This is tetraethyllead, a valid chemical compound used historically as a fuel additive.
  • (NH4)2BeF4: This is ammonium beryllium fluoride, which is also a valid chemical compound.

Conclusion:

The compound that does not exist is NaO2. The correct formula is Na2O.

Answer: B

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Approach Solution -2

Sodium superoxide (NaO2) is not a stable compound. While other alkali metal superoxides, such as potassium superoxide (KO2), exist and are stable, NaO2 is highly reactive and undergoes disproportionation. This makes it difficult to isolate and use as a stable compound.

Key Points:

  • Other alkali metal superoxides: Compounds like KO2, RbO2, and CsO2 are known and stable.
  • Sodium superoxide: NaO2 is unstable and reacts readily, preventing its practical use as a stable compound.

Conclusion:

NaO2 is not stable, unlike other alkali metal superoxides. 

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Concepts Used:

Group 1 Elements

Group one of alkali metals is s-block elements with just one electron in their s-orbital. They are are alkali metals. They are named so because of the alkaline nature of the hydroxides and oxides.

Alkali metals are characterized by one s-electron in the valence shell of their atoms.

Alkali metals have a corresponding [Noble gas] ns1 electronic configuration. They occupy the first column of the periodic table. Alkali elements are:

  • Lithium(Li)
  • Sodium(Na)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Rubidium (Ru)
  • Cesium (Cs)
  • Francium (Fr)

They have occupied successive periods from first to seven. Francium is a radioactive element with very low half-life.

Electronic Configuration:

  • Alkali metals have one electron in their valence shell.
  • The electronic configuration is given by ns1. For example, the electronic configuration of lithium is given by 1ns1 2ns1.
  • They tend to lose the outer shell electron to form cations with charge +1 (monovalent ions).

This makes them the most electropositive elements and due to the same reason, they are not found in the pure state.