An Active Form of Oxygen

Abstract

AN active form of oxygen, presumably monatomic, has been produced by passing oxygen gas saturated with water vapour through a discharge tube. The oxygen was generated electrolytically and subjected to a discharge of about 1000 volts at a gas pressure of 0.4 mm. of mercury. The gas was removed from the discharge tube through a side arm, and its density measured by passing it through a small hole which was located at a distance of 25 cm. from the discharge tube. Pressure measurements at the small hole indicated a decrease in the density of the gas corresponding to about 8 per cent. monatomic oxygen. A platinum calorimeter mounted over the hole showed a decided rise in temperature during the passage of the discharge. These effects were continuous throughout one 3-hour experiment. This work is being continued with the object of determining the most favourable conditions of studying the chemical properties of this gas. It is also hoped that a measurement of the heat of association may soon be completed.