Fundamental Properties and Industrial Relevance of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a versatile inorganic peroxide widely used as an oxidizing agent in industrial and environmental processes. Its reactivity, controllable decomposition, and water-based formulation make it suitable for a broad range of technical applications.
This page provides an overview of the fundamental characteristics of hydrogen peroxide, including its chemical properties, production principles, and key factors influencing stability and performance. The information is intended to support a general technical understanding and to serve as a basis for further evaluation in specific use contexts.
What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a clear, colorless, inorganic liquid chemical compound with an acidic pH and in its pure form a pale blue liquid. Because of the complete solubility of hydrogen peroxide in water, solutions of a wide range of concentrations can be made. The amount of H2O2 present is expressed as a percent of the solutions weight. Thus, 10 kilograms of a 35% solution contains 3.5 kilograms of hydrogen peroxide and 6.5 kilograms of water.
The chemical peroxide hydrogen is produced today almost exclusively according to the anthraquinone-autoxidation (AO) process. In this AO process,
hydrogen peroxide is produced from hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen, whereby an anthraquinone derivative, which is circulated, acts as "reaction carrier". The crude hydrogen peroxide derived through the AO process is then purified and concentrated.
After appropriate stabilization, the product is marketed as an aqueous solution, usually in concentrations of 35, 50, and 70 percent by weight. Other concentrations or special grades, the purity and stabilization of which are matched to special requirements, are likewise available.
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| Technical Data | Description |
|---|---|
| CAS name | Hydrogen peroxide |
| CAS number | 7722-84-1 |
| Formula | H2O2 |
| Markets | Aerospace, Agriculture, Chemical Industry, Home Care & Cleaning, Personal Care & Beauty, Electronics & Telecommunications, Energy, Environment & Utilities, Food & Beverage, Pharma, Pulp, Paper & Packaging |
| Effects | Bleaching agent Disinfectant Oxidizing agent |
| EINECS | 231-765-0 |
| Code | Hydrogen peroxide |
| Synonyms | Hydrogen dioxide Bleaching chemical Eau oxygenée Perhydrol Peroxide hydrogen Peroxyde |
| Molecular weight | 34 g/mol |
| Delivery form | Can, drum, IBC, bulk |
| Sustainability | Hydrogen peroxide is an environmentally friendly chemical. It decomposes to yield only oxygen and water. Hydrogen peroxide is one of the cleanest, most versatile chemicals available. |
