All About Oxygen Oxygen is a fundamental chemical element essential for life on Earth and critical in numerous industrial processes. Key Chemical and Physical Properties
| Property | Value/Description |
| Symbol | O |
| Atomic Number | 8 |
| Atomic Mass | [img]data:,[/img] |
| Group | 16 (Chalcogens) |
| Classification | Nonmetal, highly reactive |
| Electron Configuration | [img]data:,[/img] |
| Standard State ([img]data:,[/img]) | Colorless, odorless, tasteless gas |
| Melting Point | [img]data:,[/img] ([img]data:,[/img]) |
| Boiling Point | [img]data:,[/img] ([img]data:,[/img]) |
| Density | [img]data:,[/img] (at [img]data:,[/img] and [img]data:,[/img]) |
| Isotopes | Three stable isotopes: [img]data:,[/img], [img]data:,[/img], and [img]data:,[/img] |
| Reactivity | Potent oxidizing agent; readily forms oxides with almost all elements. |
| Allotropes | Dioxygen ([img]data:,[/img]) - the common form, and Ozone ([img]data:,[/img]) - a less stable, triatomic molecule. |
- Abundance: It is the third most abundant element in the universe. It constitutes nearly 21% of Earth's atmosphere (as [img]data:,[/img]) and about 50% of the mass of the Earth's crust (mainly in compounds like silicates and oxides).
- Biological Importance: Oxygen is vital for respiration in most living organisms, where it is used to metabolize glucose and generate energy. Photosynthesis by plants and phytoplankton is the primary process that generates atmospheric oxygen.
- Water: It is a key component of water ([img]data:,[/img]), making up about nine-tenths of its mass.
- Ozone Layer: [img]data:,[/img] ([img]data:,[/img]) in the stratosphere forms a layer that shields the Earth from harmful solar ultraviolet ([img]data:,[/img]) radiation.
- Steelmaking and Metal Fabrication: It is used in the Basic Oxygen Process (BOP) to refine molten iron into steel by removing impurities. In metal cutting and welding, it enhances combustion for high-temperature processes (oxy-fuel cutting).
- Chemical and Petrochemical Production: Oxygen is essential for oxidation reactions in the synthesis of various chemicals, including ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and hydrogen peroxide.
- Healthcare/Medical: Used for respiratory support and life support, especially for patients with breathing difficulties.
- Wastewater Treatment: Pure oxygen is injected into wastewater to accelerate the growth of microbes that break down waste, speeding up the treatment process.
- Rocket Fuel: Liquid oxygen (LOX) is used as an oxidizer in many modern rocket engines.
- Glass and Ceramics: Used to increase furnace temperatures for more efficient melting and refining.
Investment in the Oxygen/Industrial Gas Sector The "oxygen industry" is primarily part of the larger Industrial Gas sector, which supplies gases like oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, and specialty mixtures to nearly all major industries (healthcare, manufacturing, chemicals, electronics, etc.).Below is a table of major industrial gas companies that historically pay dividends.Disclaimer: I am an AI and not a financial advisor. This information is for informational purposes only. Stock prices, dividend payments, and yields are subject to change, and past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. Industrial Gas Companies with Estimated Yearly Dividends The following table presents some major players in the industrial gas market, along with their most recently available estimated annual dividend per share. Since industrial gas companies often pay dividends quarterly, the "Estimated Yearly Dividend" is typically the sum of the last four declared or forecasted quarterly payments.
| Company (Ticker) | Primary Exchange | Focus | Estimated Yearly Dividend Per Share (USD) |
| Linde PLC (LIN) | NASDAQ/XETRA | Global industrial gas and engineering company; largest market share. | [img]data:,[/img] |
| Air Products and Chemicals (APD) | NYSE | Major global supplier of industrial gases, equipment, and services. | [img]data:,[/img] |
| Air Liquide (AI) | Euronext Paris | French multinational, one of the world's largest industrial gas suppliers. | [img]data:,[/img] |
- Linde's most recent dividend data shows quarterly payouts of approximately [img]data:,[/img] per share in 2025, which totals [img]data:,[/img] annually.
- Air Products' most recent dividend data shows quarterly payouts of approximately [img]data:,[/img] per share in 2025, which totals [img]data:,[/img] annually.
- Air Liquide's dividend is typically declared in Euros (€), with a recent annual payment of [img]data:,[/img], which is approximated here in USD.