Oxygen molecule of four atoms

2002/01/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Kimika

The typical forms of oxygen are O2 _and O3, i.e. the normal oxygen molecule and ozone. In the 1920s, the possible presence of the O4 _molecule was theoretically postulated and, 80 years later, researchers at the University of Rome believe have detected this molecule. O2 molecules were positively charged and combined _to see if positive O4 ions were produced with the _mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer separates the molecules according to the mass, but it is mandatory that they be loaded.

In the second step, the O4 _ions were added an electron to convert them into neutral molecules and, a little later, the electrons were back. According to the researchers, if the _neutral atom O4 was quite stable, using the mass spectrometer it would be possible to detect these last ions. And so it happened. Behind these investigations, in addition to theoretical interest, there may be practical interests, especially in the field of spacecraft fuels.