Question

The oxide of potassium that does not exist is

• A. K₂O₃
• B. K₂O
• C. KO₂
• D. K₂O₂

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Potassium (K) forms several oxides, but \( K_2O_3 \) does not exist due to the instability of such an oxide. The common oxides of potassium are:
\( K_2O \) (Potassium oxide)
\( KO_2 \) (Potassium superoxide)
\( K_2O_2 \) (Potassium peroxide)
These oxides are stable under normal conditions. \( K_2O_3 \), on the other hand, is not stable and does not exist. This is due to the fact that potassium typically forms compounds with an oxidation state of +1 or +2, and an oxide like \( K_2O_3 \) would require a higher oxidation state, which is not stable for potassium. Thus, the oxide of potassium that does not exist is \( K_2O_3 \).

The correct option is (A): \(K_2O_3\)

Answer 2

he potassium oxides are compounds of potassium with oxygen. The most common oxidation states of potassium are +1. Potassium forms the following well-known oxides:

1. \( \text{K}_2\text{O} \): Potassium oxide, which is the most stable oxide of potassium.
2. \( \text{KO}_2 \): Potassium superoxide, which is stable and can form when potassium reacts with oxygen at high temperatures.
3. \( \text{K}_2\text{O}_2 \): Potassium peroxide, which also exists.

However, \( \text{K}_2\text{O}_3 \) does not exist. Potassium does not form a stable oxide with a stoichiometry of \( \text{K}_2\text{O}_3 \), as the +3 oxidation state for potassium is highly unstable.

Thus, the oxide that does not exist is \( \text{K}_2\text{O}_3 \).