The ozone

Ozone (O3) is a poisonous allotrope of oxygen that exists in the environment, and plays a role in the existence of life on earth. The ozone layer, found in the upper stratosphere, is an area of high ozone concentration where Oxygen molecules (O2) is turned into Ozone . The function of the ozone layer is to absorb Ultraviolet light that is emitted from the sun, in order to prevent radiation, which is harmful to life on earth.

Ozone structure

Ozone is made up of three oxygen atoms bonded together. It is possible to have a double bond between any two oxygen atoms in the molecule, therefore the electrons are delocalized (shared) throughout the molecule. 

To the right is the resonance structure representing delocalized electrons.

As seen in the diagram above, ozone's shape is a bent linear molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms.  Ozone is a polar molecule due to uneven distribution of electrons. 

Chemical properties of ozone

Ozone is an unstable gas, with a strong smell. It is highly corrosive and a strong oxidant that is very toxic. Due to Ozones delocalized bonds, it is able to absorb higher wavelengths of light (UV light), which is described in the chapman cycle tab.