Ozone
Molar mass: 48.00 g/mol · Class: Covalent oxide
Elements: oxygen
Structure
The molecule is bent, with a central oxygen bonded to two others. Resonance spreads the bonding evenly, and the molecule is polar. It is much more reactive than ordinary O2.
Properties
Pale blue gas with a sharp, chlorine-like smell
Powerful oxidizing agent
Absorbs ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere
Irritates lungs and damages plants at ground level
Applications
Stratospheric UV shield (naturally occurring)
Drinking-water disinfection in some plants
Industrial oxidation processes
Toxic to breathe: irritates eyes, nose, and lungs, and worsens asthma. Ground-level ozone in smog is a pollutant, not a health product. Ozone generators sold for homes can create unsafe indoor levels; ventilate well.
Data source: IUPAC standard atomic weights 2021; molar mass computed from O3