Ozone Gas

Ozone is a gas with a high oxidizing power whose molecule consists of three oxygen atoms with a triangular geometry. The ozone molecule is formed by the dissociation of two atoms that make up the molecule of oxygen gas. The released oxygen atoms bind to other molecules of oxygen (O2), forming ozone molecules (O3).

The natural state of ozone is a gas and is in very small amounts in the air we breathe in an approximate concentration of 20 parts per billion (ppb) in summer and can go up to 100 ppb.

In normal ambient ozone acre has some color but is usually colorless, but in high concentrations color becomes slightly blue.

Ozone is an allotropic form of oxygen, as demonstrated by J. L. Soret in 1863, that the liquefied form a dark blue liquid. From the chemical point of view, ozone is very reactive, emphasizing its strong oxidizing power.

Ozone decomposes rapidly in the presence of oxygen when the temperature exceeds 100 ° C. To decompose ozone at room temperature catalysts are used.

Ozone can be generated artificially by ozone generators.

Although its main property is its high oxidizing power, ozone is best known for his role in the atmosphere. Ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength difficult life on earth. These radiations affect the immune system of living beings, promoting respiratory diseases, and produce genetic mutations in DNA lead to skin cancer, melanoma of skin, cataracts and other conditions and reduce the photosynthesis process of plants .

Ozone helps to preserve life by absorbing ultraviolet radiation harmful to the health of living things and helping to maintain the heat balance of the atmosphere.

Ozone has application in the synthesis of organic compounds, especially given its high oxidizing power, ozone is used in sewage treatment plants and swimming pools as a disinfectant and germicide.