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%� ...

(), 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 (). * Organic peroxides, compounds with the linkage or . One example is ''tert''-butylhydroperoxide.

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