We all know that too little oxygen spells quick death but some might be surprised to know that an atmosphere too rich in oxygen can be just as deadly. Evolution has adapted to the familiar gas "alloy" of 21% oxygen; more than that and our bodies have trouble coping. The main killer is that pure O2 will often rip in two to make two naughty O1's, a.k.a. superoxide anion radical, which is the chemical equivalent of a loose cannonball that completely obliterates any molecule it touches. In fact, our white blood cells produce just this sort of weapon which they shoot at anything identified as a foreign pathogen and the detonation of sorts that occurs kills both the target pathogen as well as the white blood cells that created it!

Despite this bleak intro, oxygen, we really love ya and our lives would be considerably worse were it not for your presence. Here's tribute to our buddy O, a necessary addition to any collection of the elements.

Note additional options for this element on the Ampules section

CAS 7782-44-7