Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most commonly used chemical substances in everyday life. From medical applications to hair bleaching products, hydrogen peroxide is commonly found in a lot of everyday products. So, what is hydrogen peroxide? Concentrated hydrogen peroxide is a reactive type of oxygen species, and it is mainly used as a propellant in rocketry.  

It contains two hydrogen and oxygen molecules; therefore, its chemical formula is H2O2. When hydrogen peroxide is found in its purest form, it is generally seen as a clear liquid with a pale blue colouration.  

What is hydrogen peroxide? 

H2O2 hydrogen peroxide is one of the most simple types of peroxide and can be easily found in everyday products such as detergents, bleaching products, and medicines. When it is found in its most natural form, it appears pale blue in colour. Because of the extra oxygen molecule, hydrogen peroxide can be used as a potent oxidizing agent. It can accept electrons from other substances, and the chemical formula for Hydrogen peroxide is H2O2.  

This type of peroxide is generally acidic in nature, and its PH value is 4.5. It is a hundred percent degradable compound. Note that hydrogen peroxide is a hazardous chemical, and if swallowed, it can have significant adverse effects on the body. 

Uses of Hydrogen peroxide 

There are a series of possible uses of hydrogen peroxide. These include:

• As a disinfectant: Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a beautiful bleach substitute that won’t leave your home smelling like a swimming pool.
• To wash produce: Hydrogen peroxide is used as an easy solution to get rid of bacteria and pesticides from your fruits and vegetables. Add one-fourth cup of peroxide to a big bowl or clean water sink. Wash the produce in a solution of water and peroxide, then rinse well with clean water and dry. 

Bonus Tip: Using peroxide to clean your food may improve its shelf life. 

• As a medicine: Some people believe that hydrogen peroxide aids in treating cancer and other diseases. There’s no proof for this, but there’s plenty of evidence that it can make you sick if you drink it, inhale too much of its gases, or misuse it in any other way. Before you begin, consult your doctor about any such treatment.
• For bleaching: Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to bleach or colour hair. Simply follow the product’s directions for use and safety. It’s crucial to exercise caution because larger quantities can cause your scalp and skin to burn. 
• As a teeth whitener: Hydrogen peroxide-based treatments from the drugstore can be used for whitening your teeth. Your dentist might treat you with a more potent version at the clinic.

Structure of Hydrogen peroxide 

The structure of hydrogen peroxide is non-planer. According to a few research scientists, H2O2 has an open book type structure O-O spins. Its angle can be described as the dihedral angle of 111 degrees. The bond length of this compound is about 145.8 and the bond of O-H is about 98.8 pm. Which is just the same as 9.88 × 10-13 m. 

The industrial method of preparation of H2O2

Industrial Hydrogen peroxide can easily be prepared with the help of electrolysis of thirty percent of ice-cold H2SO4. Whenever the acidified sulphate solution is electrolyzed at a high level of current density, then Peroxodisulphate can easily be obtained.  

Properties of Hydrogen Peroxide

Properties of hydrogen peroxide are divided into two types-the physical properties and chemical properties.

• When hydrogen peroxide is present in the form of a pure state it becomes an almost colourless liquid.
• This compound can be melted at 272.4 K and it also has a boiling point of 423 K 
• It can be miscible in the form of water in all portions and it forms hydrates. 

Chemical properties of Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen properties in both the acidic and base medium mainly act as an oxidising and reducing agent. Here are some chemical reactions of hydrogen peroxide examples”

• Oxidises black Pbs when mixed with white PbSO4. Reaction: Pbs + 4H2O2 → PbSO4 + 4H2O

• Oxidises KI reacts with the Iodine. Reaction: 2KI + H2O2 → 2KOH + I2

• Oxidises nitrites and reacts with the nitrates. Reaction: NaNO2 + H2O2 → NaN3 + H2O
• Oxidises become acidic with the help of  Potassium ferrocyanide. Reaction: 2K4Fe(CN)6 + H2SO4 + H2O2 → 2K3Fe(CN)6 + K2SO4 + 2H2O

• Oxidises sulfites react with the sulphates. Reaction: Na2SO3 + H2O2 → Na2SO4 + H2O

Conclusion 

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most commonly used chemical substances which is versatile and easily available for use in everyday life. The chemical formula for Hydrogen peroxide is H2O2. Because of its properties as a powerful oxidising agent, hydrogen peroxide is a popular constituent in many disinfection and cleaning solutions. Our white blood cells also develop hydrogen peroxides to kill bacteria in our bodies.