JEE Exam » JEE Study Material » Chemistry » Structure, Preparation, Reactions and Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

Structure, Preparation, Reactions and Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most simple types of peroxide, developed with the help of two oxygen single bonds. It is a colorless liquid mainly used in the aqueous solution for safety purposes. It is a bleaching agent and can be used as a disinfectant. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide is a reactive type of oxygen species, and the use of hydrogen peroxide is mainly done with propellant in rocketry. The chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide is H2O2.

Uses of hydrogen peroxide are one of the most important topics in class 12 chemistry. Various types of questions may come in board and competitive examinations. Reading this chapter in detail can help you score good marks.

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

As discussed earlier, hydrogen peroxide can be considered one of the most simple peroxides that develop with the help of two oxygen single bonds. This liquid looks colorless in nature. This solution is mainly used in any type of aqueous solution for safety purposes.

It is also known as the bleaching agent and is mainly used as a disinfectant. Uses of hydrogen peroxide are mainly implemented on propellants in rocketry. This type of peroxide is generally acidic, with a pH value of 4.5. It is a 100% degradable compound.

Structure of Hydrogen Peroxide

The structure of hydrogen peroxide is non-planar. According to a few research scientists, H2O2 has an open book type structure with 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.

Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

It is found in various areas as it works as a mild antiseptic, and it also helps our skin to protect from minor cuts, burns, or scraps. This compound is also used as a mouth rinse to remove mucus, or it helps to get relief from minor mouth irritation. Other uses of hydrogen peroxide include the following:

  • It can clean all types of dishwashers.
  • It will help us to scrub our sink.
  • This compound works like a disinfectant, which is very helpful for our daily needs.
  • It also helps us to wash our vegetables.

These are a few examples of the uses of hydrogen peroxide in our daily life. Hydrogen peroxide mainly works as a household chemical that can be safely used for cleaning purposes.

Medical Use of Hydrogen Peroxide or Hydrogen peroxide for wounds

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a topical antiseptic that kills bacteria by causing an oxidation burst and producing local oxygen. H2O2 is a reactive biochemical molecule produced by various cells that influences biological behavior through various mechanisms, including changes in membrane potential, the generation of new molecules, and changes in intracellular redox balance, all of which result in the activation or inactivation of various signaling transduction pathways. Despite the common belief that H2O2 damages tissue due to its high oxidative property, a correct quantity of H2O2 is regarded as a critical prerequisite for normal wound healing. 

Process of Preparation of Hydrogen Peroxide

This compound can be prepared in two ways: laboratory and industrial preparation.

Laboratory Preparation of Hydrogen Peroxide

Barium peroxide is acidified, and excess water is removed. Excess water can only be removed with the help of the evaporation process under low pressure:

BaO2.8H2O(s) + H2SO4(aq) → BaSO4(s) + H2O2(aq) + 8H2O(l)

Industrial Preparation of Hydrogen Peroxide

This type of hydrogen peroxide is prepared by electrolyzing 30% of ice-cold H2SO4. Whenever the acidified sulfate solution is electrolyzed at a high current density level, then peroxodisulphate can easily be obtained. Peroxodisulphate is then hydrolyzed into a hydrogen peroxide compound:

2H2SO4(aq) [Electrolysis] → HO3SOOSO3H(aq) [Hydrolysis] → 2HSO4–(aq) + 2H+(aq) + H2O2(aq)

Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Since the hydrogen peroxide compound has been discovered, it has been widely used. Hydrogen peroxide solution uses are mainly seen as a cleansing agent, and it also works as a disinfectant. Nowadays, it also works as a bleaching agent in various beauty products. It can be used as an oxidizing agent and as a reducing agent. Few hydrogen peroxide solution uses are as follows:

  • Hydrogen peroxide is used as an antiseptic.
  • It is also used for the preservation of wine or alcohol.
  • Our white blood cell produces hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria in our body.
  • It works like a detergent as it can easily clean stains and dirt.

Properties of Hydrogen Peroxide

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

Physical Properties

  • When hydrogen peroxide is present in the form of a pure state, it becomes an almost colorless 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

Hydrogen properties in both the acidic and base medium mainly act as an oxidizing agent; it also acts as the reducing agent:

  • Oxidizes black Pbs when mixed with white PbSO4. 

Reaction: PbS + 4H2O2 → PbSO4 + 4H2O

  • Oxidizes KI reacts Reaction: 2KI + H2O2 → 2KOH + I2
  • Oxidizes nitrites and reacts with the nitrates. 

Reaction: NaNO2 + H2O2 → NaNO3 + H2O

  • Oxidizes become acidic with the help of potassium ferrocyanide 

Reaction: 2K4Fe(CN)6 + H2SO4 + H2O2 → 2K3Fe(CN)6 + K2SO4 + 2H2O

  • Oxidizes sulfites react with the sulfates. 

Reaction: Na2SO3 + H2O2 → Na2SO4 + H2O

  • Oxidizes CrO42- in an acid medium to chromium Peroxide CrO5. 

Reaction: CrO42- + 2H+ + 2H2O2 → CrO5 + 3H2O

Conclusion

Hydrogen peroxide is an essential part of the class 12 chemistry syllabus. The use of hydrogen peroxide can be found in major appliances in the industrial sector. This compound works as a cleansing against household works. It is acidic in nature. Our white blood cells also develop hydrogen peroxides to kill bacteria in our bodies. Hydrogen peroxide is also used for wounds. Evidently, hydrogen peroxide is essential in today’s world.