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Chemicals/hydrogen stuff

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Expert: - 7/19/2006


Question
what is h3o2? is it a liquid? and would it burn? also what is h5o2?

thanks,
kevin

Answer
Both of these compounds would be extremely unstable and probably only exist under special circumstances.  

You might be thinking about H5O2(+1) which is nothing but H+-H2O-H2O, a form of the acid H+ ion (surrounded by two waters).  Another form is H3O(+1).

There is an H3O2(-) which is just OH(-)-H2O or OH(-) surrounded by one hydroxide ion.

All of these ions are either acidic or basic and would not be good for skin exposure.

These ions are also promoted by certain water companies as making these waters healthier.  In those cases the ions are present in very very small (microscopic) quantities, and the claims are very dubious.

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Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

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Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

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