Sodium Percarbonate, Solid Hydrogen Peroxide, Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, 15630-89-4

Sodium Percarbonate, Solid Hydrogen Peroxide, Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, 15630-89-4

Sodium Percarbonate 

1. Product Identity

2. Synonyms and Other Names

Common Names

• Sodium percarbonate

• Sodium carbonate peroxide

• Solid hydrogen peroxide

Chemical Names

• Sodium carbonate hydrogen peroxide

• Hydrogen peroxide – Sodium carbonate adduct

• Sodium carbonate peroxohydrate

• Disodium carbonate compound with hydrogen peroxide (2:3)

Technical Names

• PCS (common abbreviation)

• Sodium percarbonate granular

• Sodium percarbonate powder

3. Physicochemical Properties

4. Chemical Properties and Behavior

• Oxidizing Agent: Sodium percarbonate is a strong oxidizing agent.

• Decomposition in Water: When dissolved in water, it rapidly decomposes into sodium bicarbonate and oxygen:

  • 2Na₂CO₃·3H₂O₂ → 2Na₂CO₃ + 3H₂O₂ (initial dissociation)

  • H₂O₂ → H₂O + ½O₂ (catalytic decomposition)

• Decomposition in Acid: In dilute sulfuric acid, it decomposes to form a measurable amount of hydrogen peroxide.

• Decomposition in Air: Slowly decomposes in air, releasing carbon dioxide and oxygen.

• Hygroscopic: Readily absorbs moisture from the air, which triggers decomposition.

• Reactivity: Contact with combustible materials may cause fire.

5. Production Methods

Sodium percarbonate can be produced through two main industrial methods:

Method 1: Dry Process

• Process: A hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed onto anhydrous sodium carbonate in a fluidized bed with boiling hot air.

• Advantages: Simple production process.

• Disadvantages: Poor product stability, low active oxygen content.

• Status: Rarely used in industry due to quality issues.

Method 2: Wet Process (Most Common)

• Process:

  1. A small amount of stabilizer is added to a hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution.

  2. The reaction is carried out under controlled temperature conditions.

  3. The product is obtained through crystallization, separation, drying, and sieving.

• Advantages: Good product stability, high active oxygen content, mature technology.

• Status: Widely used in industry.

6. Applications and Uses

Sodium percarbonate is a versatile chemical with numerous industrial applications:

1. Detergent and Cleaning Industry

• Low-Phosphorus and Non-Phosphorus Detergents: Raw material for environmentally friendly washing powders.

• Rinsing Agent: Used as a rinsing aid in laundry applications.

• Bleaching Agent: Oxygen-based bleach for stain removal and whitening.

2. Textile Industry

• Reducing Color Developing Agent: Used in textile processing.

• Bleaching Agent: For fabric whitening and brightening.

3. Paper Industry

• Bleaching Agent: For paper pulp bleaching and brightening.

4. Food Industry

• Milk Preservative: Can be combined with lactoperoxidase/thiocyanate/peroxide system for raw milk preservation.

  • Dosage: 50 mg/kg (typical)

  • Effectiveness:

    • At 30°C: Maintains freshness for 7-8 hours

    • At 3-5°C: Maintains freshness for 5-6 days

• Fruit Preservative: Used to extend shelf life of fruits.

5. Medical and Healthcare

• Disinfectant and Bactericide: Effective against a wide range of microorganisms.

• Medical Oxygen Source: Can release oxygen for medical applications.

• Deodorizing Agent: Eliminates odors through oxidation.

6. Water Treatment

• Disinfection: Used as a disinfectant in water treatment applications.

• Algae Control: Effective against blue-green algae in lakes and reservoirs.

7. Metal Cleaning

• Metal Cleaning Agent: Used in industrial metal cleaning formulations.

8. Oral Care

• Mouth Glue Cleaner: Used in denture cleaning products.

• Tooth Whitening: Component in some teeth whitening formulations.

9. Dye Industry

• Dye Chromogenic Agent: Used in color development processes.

7. Safety and Handling Information

8. Storage and Handling Precautions

Storage Conditions

• Store in a cool, dry warehouse.

• Temperature should be maintained below 40°C to prevent decomposition.

• Avoid high temperatures and humidity.

• Keep away from fire and heat sources.

• Do not store together with reducing substances or combustible materials.

• Packaging must be sealed to prevent moisture absorption.

Packaging

• Primary Packaging: Two layers of polyethylene plastic bag (inner lining).

• Outer Packaging: Plastic woven bag or drum.

• Net Weight: Typically 25 kg or 50 kg.

Transportation

• Protect from rain and sun exposure during transport.

• Handle with care during loading and unloading to prevent package damage.

• Avoid high temperatures and humidity during transit.

Handling Precautions

• Avoid inhalation of dust (dust particles can irritate mucous membranes).

• Use gloves and dust masks when handling large quantities.

• Wear eye protection.

• After skin contact, rinse thoroughly with water.

Fire Safety

• Fire Extinguishing Media: Sand and all types of fire extinguishers can be used.

• Special Risk: Contact with combustible material may cause fire.

9. Toxicology and Health Effects

10. Environmental Information

• Decomposition Products: Decomposes to sodium carbonate (soda ash), water, and oxygen – all environmentally benign.

• Biodegradability: The breakdown products are naturally occurring and biodegradable.

• Eco-Friendly: Considered an environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine-based bleaches and disinfectants.

11. Summary

Sodium Percarbonate (CAS: 15630-89-4) is a white, crystalline or granular solid that serves as a stable source of hydrogen peroxide. It is an adduct of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide with the molecular formula 2Na₂CO₃·3H₂O₂.

Key Characteristics:

• Strong oxidizing agent

• Releases active oxygen (approx. 25% H₂O₂ equivalent) upon contact with moisture

• Stable when dry, but decomposes in water and humid air

• Hygroscopic – must be stored in sealed containers below 40°C

Primary Applications:

• Detergent industry (oxygen-based bleach for eco-friendly laundry products)

• Textile and paper bleaching

• Disinfectant and bactericide

• Food preservation (milk and fruit preservative)

• Water treatment and algae control

• Metal cleaning and oral care products

Safety:
Classified as an oxidizing agent (Class 5.1) and harmful if swallowed. It is irritating to eyes and skin and can cause fire when in contact with combustible materials. Proper storage (cool, dry, below 40°C) and handling (protective gloves, dust mask, eye protection) are essential.

Environmental Profile:
Sodium percarbonate is considered environmentally friendly as it decomposes into sodium carbonate, water, and oxygen – all naturally occurring and biodegradable substances, making it a preferred alternative to chlorine-based oxidizers.

Sodium Percarbonate vs. Sodium Bicarbonate – Comparison Table

Chemical Behavior Comparison

Application Areas Comparison

Safety Comparison

Storage Comparison

Summary Comparison

Example Usage Scenarios

Conclusion

• Sodium Percarbonate is a strong oxidizing agent, bleach, and disinfectant. It is ideal for whitening, deep cleaning, and stain removal tasks. However, it requires careful storage and handling.

• Sodium Bicarbonate is a versatile, mild, and safe household product. It has hundreds of uses, from cooking and personal care to mild cleaning and odor removal.

These two products cannot be used interchangeably. Using bicarbonate for bleaching laundry will not work, while using percarbonate for baking a cake could be dangerous.