Superoxides contain the ion `O_(2)^(-)` which has the structure `(:overset(..)underset(.)(O) overset(…)(-) overset(..)(O) :)^(-)` containing a three electron bond i.e, it has one unpaired electron and hence is paramagnetic . Normal oxides containing the ion `[:overset(..)underset(..)(O):]^(2-)` do not have any unpaired electrons and hence are diamagnetic .