Question

Explain why:

Ozone acts as a powerful oxidising agent.

Answer 1

This is because O₃ molecules readily dissociate to give nascent oxygen, which oxidises other substances.

\[\ce{O3 -> O2 + \underset{Nascent oxygen}{[O]}}\]

Answer 2

1. Ozone is a powerful oxidising agent because it can easily decompose to form nascent oxygen (O), which is highly reactive.
2. Nascent oxygen quickly oxidizes other substances, making ozone stronger than dioxygen (O₂) in oxidation reactions.
3. Ozone’s decomposition releases this reactive oxygen atom that attacks metals and non-metals, converting them to oxides or oxoacids.
4. Hence, ozone’s ability to provide nascent oxygen makes it a potent oxidiser.