Hydrogen Peroxide, Perhydrol, Dioxidane, Oxydol, Superoxol, Dihydrogen Dioxide, 7722-84-1

Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂)

Molecular Formula: H₂O₂ (%35 – %50 – %60) Molecular Weight: 34.02 g/mol Chemical Name: Hydrogen Peroxide CAS Number: 7722-84-1

Synonyms

• Perhydrol

• Hydroperoxide

• Dihydrogen dioxide

• Peroxide

• Dioxidane

• Oxydol

• Superoxol

• Hydrogen Peroxide solution

• Peroxide, Hydrogen

General Properties

• Commercially produced in concentrations between 20% and 70%.

• Pale blue in pure form; becomes colorless when mixed with water.

• Acts as both an oxidizing and reducing agent due to oxygen’s variable oxidation states.

• Exhibits bacteriostatic properties, preventing bacterial growth.

• Sharp, irritating odor; slightly acidic taste.

• Relatively unstable under certain conditions.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Higher concentration → higher boiling point, lower freezing point.

• Crystalline solid at low temperatures.

• Density increases with concentration.

Applications

• Disinfection & Cleaning: Medical antiseptic, swimming pool treatment, industrial equipment cleaning.

• Pulp & Paper Industry: Bleaching agent.

• Textile Industry: Denim bleaching, desizing, stain removal.

• Chemical Industry: Epoxy and polymer production, polymerization initiator.

• Water Treatment: Wastewater and drinking water purification.

• Petroleum & Refining: Oxidation processes.

• Cosmetics: Hair bleaching, dyeing, fixing agents; teeth whitening products.

• Pharmaceuticals: Component in flu medications and ear-cleaning solutions.

• Agriculture: Environmentally friendly disinfectant in irrigation systems.

• Electronics: Etching agent in circuit board production, copper removal in LCDs.

• Construction: Concrete admixtures, setting retarders.

• Energy: Historically used as rocket fuel; potential clean fuel for transportation.

Other Chemical Uses

• Production of sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂).

• Oxidation of lead sulfide to lead sulfate.

• Formation of iodine, sodium arsenate, ferroscyanide, and potassium ferroscyanide.

• Reduction of silver oxide.

• Caprolactam synthesis for nylon production.

• COD and color removal in wastewater treatment.

• Bleaching of olive and pomace oils.

• Used with sulfuric acid in PCB manufacturing.

• Involved in ferric chloride production as a free oxidant.

Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂)

Molecular Formula: H₂O₂ Molecular Weight: 34.02 g/mol CAS Number: 7722-84-1

Synonyms

• Perhydrol

• Hydroperoxide

• Dihydrogen dioxide

• Peroxide

• Dioxidane

• Oxydol

• Superoxol

• Hydrogen Peroxide solution

Types by Concentration

• Low concentration (≤10%) → Household disinfectants, cosmetics, oral care.

• Medium concentration (20–35%) → Textile bleaching, paper industry, water treatment.

• High concentration (50–70%) → Industrial oxidation, chemical synthesis, electronics, rocket propellants.

Sectoral Suitability Table

Production

Hydrogen peroxide is produced industrially via the anthraquinone process:

1. Hydrogenation of anthraquinone to anthrahydroquinone.

2. Oxidation with air to regenerate anthraquinone and form H₂O₂.

3. Extraction into water to obtain aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions.

4. Concentration adjusted to commercial grades (20–70%).

This method is efficient, scalable, and widely used in global chemical industries.

Key Notes

• Higher concentrations increase oxidizing strength but reduce stability.

• Storage requires cool, ventilated conditions and stabilizers to prevent decomposition.

• Hydrogen peroxide is considered an environmentally friendly oxidant since it decomposes into water and oxygen.