Peroxide
Definition and meaning of Peroxide in chemistry.
A peroxide is a chemical compound that specifically contains an oxygen-oxygen single bond, known as the peroxide group, or the peroxide anion (O2 2-). The adjacent oxygen atoms in a peroxide typically feature an unusual oxidation state of -1.
In more detail
Peroxides are generally highly reactive and are widely used in industry as strong oxidizing agents and chemical bleaching agents. They can be organic, containing carbon groups attached directly to the oxygen-oxygen bond, or inorganic, such as various metal peroxides. Because the oxygen-oxygen single bond is relatively weak, peroxides easily and sometimes violently decompose, often releasing oxygen gas or forming highly reactive free radicals. This inherent instability makes them incredibly useful as chemical initiators in various industrial polymerization reactions.
Key facts
| Field | Inorganic Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Functional Group | O-O single bond |
| General Formula | R-O-O-R |
| Oxidation State | -1 for each oxygen atom |
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a very common inorganic peroxide used widely as a medical disinfectant and cosmetic hair bleach.
Frequently asked questions
Why are liquid peroxides commonly stored in dark or opaque brown bottles?
Peroxides, especially solutions like hydrogen peroxide, readily decompose into liquid water and oxygen gas when exposed to ambient light.