![Peroxide group v](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Peroxide_group_v.2.png)
In
chemistry, peroxides are a group of
compounds with the structure , where R = any
element. The group in a peroxide is called the peroxide group or peroxo group. The nomenclature is somewhat variable.
The most common peroxide is
hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound with the formula . In its pure form, it is a very pale blue liquid that is slightly more viscous than water. It is used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic, usually as a dilute solution (3%â ...
(), colloquially known simply as "peroxide". It is marketed as solutions in water at various concentrations. Many organic peroxides are known as well.
In addition to hydrogen peroxide, some other major classes of peroxides are:
*
Peroxy acids, the peroxy derivatives of many familiar acids, examples being
peroxymonosulfuric acid and
peracetic acid
Peracetic acid (also known as peroxyacetic acid, or PAA) is an organic compound with the chemical formula, formula CH3CO3H. This peroxy acid is a colorless liquid with a characteristic acrid odor reminiscent of acetic acid. It can be highly corros ...
, and their salts, one example of which is
potassium peroxydisulfate.
*
Main group peroxides, compounds with the linkage (E =
main group element).
*
Metal peroxides, examples being
barium peroxide
Barium peroxide is the inorganic compound with the formula Ba O2. This white solid (gray when impure) is one of the most common inorganic peroxides, and it was the first peroxide compound discovered. Being an oxidizer and giving a vivid green c ...
(),
sodium peroxide
Sodium peroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula Na2O2. This yellowish solid is the product of sodium ignited in excess oxygen. It is a strong base. This metal peroxide exists in several hydrates and peroxyhydrates including Na2O2·2H ...
() and
zinc peroxide
Zinc peroxide (ZnO2) appears as a bright yellow powder at room temperature. It was historically used as a surgical antiseptic. More recently zinc peroxide has also been used as an oxidant in explosives and pyrotechnic mixtures. Its properties have ...
().
*
Organic peroxides, compounds with the linkage or . One example is
''tert''-butylhydroperoxide.
References
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