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O2

Oxygen

Colorless, odorless, tasteless, highly oxidizing gas.
Shipping Information
D.O.T. Proper Shipping Name:
Oxygen, compressed
I.D. Number:
UN1072
Hazard Class:
2.2 (5.1)
Shipping Labels:
Nonflammable Gas, Oxidizer
Technical Information
Molecular weight:
31.999
Specific volume:
12.1ft3/lb
CAS registry:
7782-44-7
SDS ref:
Oxygen
About

Oxygen gas, consisting of two oxygen atoms bonded together in the molecule O2, stands as one of the most crucial elements for life as we know it, making up approximately 21% of Earth’s atmosphere. This diatomic molecule exhibits some remarkable properties that make it uniquely suited for biological processes – it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, yet it readily participates in chemical reactions called oxidation that release the energy organisms need to survive. The oxygen we breathe follows an fascinating journey: it’s primarily produced by plants and algae through photosynthesis, where sunlight energy helps split water molecules and combine the oxygen atoms into O2 molecules that are released into the atmosphere.

When we inhale, this molecular oxygen travels through our respiratory system to our bloodstream, where it binds to hemoglobin in our red blood cells, giving blood its characteristic red color and enabling the critical process of cellular respiration that powers our bodies. Beyond its biological role, oxygen’s high reactivity makes it essential for numerous industrial processes, from steel manufacturing to water treatment, while its role in combustion makes it crucial for everything from running engines to welding metals. Understanding oxygen’s properties helps us appreciate how this seemingly simple molecule underpins both the biological and technological foundations of our world.

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