Properties Uses and Facts about Hydrogen Peroxide
What is Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a compound, its chemical formula is H2O2. Its one
molecule contains two atoms of hydrogen and two atoms of oxygen. It is a
colorless liquid, similar to water, with an extra atom of oxygen. Hydrogen
peroxide is a volatile liquid, which readily decomposes into oxygen and
water with the release of heat. Although it is not flammable, it is a potent
oxidizing agent that can cause spontaneous combustion when it comes in
contact with organic materials.
Properties of Hydrogen Peroxide
- Hydrogen peroxide is a colourless, transparent liquid with a bitter taste.
- It has a pungent smell.
- Its density is 1.45 grams per cubic centimeter.
- Its melting point is -0.43 degree Celsius.
- Its boiling point is 150 degree Celsius.
- In its pure form it is slightly thicker and stickier than water.
- It is a powerful oxidizing agent.
Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
- Hydrogen peroxide is most commonly used as a bleaching agent in the paper industry. It is estimated that more than 60 percent of the total hydrogen peroxide produced in the world is used in the paper industry.
- It is also used as a bleaching agent in the textile industry.
- Hydrogen peroxide use in medicine is used as an antimicrobial agent and an oxidizing agent. It is used in first aid to clean wounds as an antiseptic.
- In personal care and household products, such as hair dye and bleach, toothpaste, mouthwash, bathroom cleaners and laundry detergent, hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent.
- It is also used in polymerization, as a flour bleaching agent, and as a treatment for acne.
- Hydrogen peroxide has been used to remove organic impurities in wastewater treatment processes.
- Hydrogen peroxide is used to disinfect a variety of surfaces, including surgical instruments.
- Hydrogen peroxide is used as a propellant in the rocket industry.
- Hydrogen peroxide is also used in the production of some cosmetics.
- Hydrogen peroxide reacts with some dye-esters to produce chemiluminescence, hence its use in the manufacture of glow-sticks.
Facts about Hydrogen Peroxide
- Currently, the use of hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds is avoided, as it is believed to inhibit healing and cause scarring, as it destroys newly formed skin cells. .
- Dilute solutions of hydrogen peroxide can cause bleaching or whitening of the skin when it comes into contact with the skin.
- Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen when exposed to sunlight, a process also catalyzed by traces of alkali metals. Therefore, H2O2 is stored in wax-lined glass or plastic containers and kept in the dark.
- Hydrogen peroxide should also be kept away from dust particles as dust particles can induce rapid decomposition of this compound.
- Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant - it oxidizes the cell membrane of a microorganism, resulting in the destruction of the cell membrane of the microorganism and the microorganism itself.
- Exposure to hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, throat, and airways, and ingestion can cause serious gastrointestinal effects.
- Medical grade hydrogen peroxide should be used for home use, the strength of medical grade hydrogen peroxide is 3% i.e. it contains 3% hydrogen peroxide and 97% water, it is strong and effective enough for home use and medical use .
- Hydrogen peroxide of 9% concentration is used for bleaching clothes and hair, whereas hydrogen peroxide of higher concentration is used in industries.
Detailed Information on Some other Compounds
- Zinc Nitrate Properties Uses and other Details
- Aluminium Nitride Properties Uses and other Details
- Hydroiodic acid Properties Uses and other Details
- Dinitrogen Pentoxide Properties Uses and other Details
- Iodic Acid HIO3 Properties Uses and other Details
- Phosphine (PH3) Properties Uses and other information
- Ethanol Properties Uses and Other Details
- Potassium Cyanide | Properties | Uses | Other Details
- Sodium Hydroxide | Properties | Uses | Facts
- Methane Gas | Properties | Uses | Facts
- Ammonia | Properties | Uses | and Facts
- Sulfuric Acid H2SO4 | Properties | Uses | and Facts
- Nitric Acid HNO3 | Properties | Uses | and Facts
- Hydrochloric Acid HCL | Properties | Uses | and Facts
- Potassium Nitrate KNO3 | Properties | Uses | and Facts
No comments:
Post a Comment