Overview
Oxygen is a diatomic gas vital for respiration and combustion and forms oxides with most elements.
Properties
It is highly electronegative, supports combustion vigorously and exists as O2 and reactive O3 ozone allotropes.
Occurrence and Uses
Oxygen is produced industrially for medical use, steelmaking, chemical synthesis and life support systems.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable O 16, O 17 and O 18 isotopes exist; concentrated oxygen environments increase fire risk and require strict handling protocols.