Introduction to Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂, is a pale-coloured colourless, very concentrated liquid with the ability to oxidize very powerfully and has a wide range of application across industries. It contains only two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms, a straightforward molecule but very reactive. From domestic disinfectants to industrial use, even in environmental uses, hydrogen peroxide is finding its place under the sun in modern science and technology use.

Various Grades of Hydrogen Peroxide

The concentration and purity of H₂O₂ vary in the few grades of the chemical available, which may have stabilizers added to serve these respective purposes.

1. Household Grade (3-5%):

   • The most readily available commercial grade of hydrogen peroxide is used in households all over the world. This is usually used for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, treating minor injuries, and as a mild bleaching agent. This would be a safe concentration for general use but should be treated with due caution.

2. Cosmetic Grade (6-10%):

   • Cosmetic H₂O₂ mainly finds its application in the beautifying industry. It is contained in hair bleaching products, teeth whitening kits, and other cosmetic formulations, in which its oxidizing action serves to lighten hair and teeth or to kill bacteria.

3. Food Grade (35%):

   • Food-grade H₂O₂ is very pure and is used mainly in the food industry. This can be utilized in the food treatment, packaging, or even equipment sanitation. It contains no additives or stabilizers, and it is food-grade. However, this is very highly concentrated, and thus very careful handling is needed.

4. Industrial Grade (35-50%):

   • Large-scale applications include bleaching clothes and paper, chemical synthesis, and wastewater treatment, where they use industrial-grade H₂O₂. Although that’s highly concentrated and active, it requires very rigorous safety measures.

5. Electronic Grade (30-35%):

   • It is utilized, being known as electronic grade, in semiconductor wafer etching and cleaning in the electronics industry. It is highly purified to ensure that no impurities interfere with sensitive manufacturing processes during the fabrication of electronic devices.

6. Laboratory Grade (30-70%):

   • Laboratory-grade H₂O₂ has wide usage in many chemical reactions and experiments in research and laboratories. It is highly concentrated and usually needs dilution for use. Its application ranges from organic synthesis to analytical chemistry.

Properties of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a unique chemical compound with several important physical and chemical properties that make it useful in a wide range of applications:

• Physical Properties:

  • Formula: H₂O₂ | Molecular Weight: 34.01 g/mol
  • Appearance: Colorless liquid with a sharp odor
  • Density: 1.45 g/cm³ | pH: Acidic
  • Melting Point: -0.43°C | Boiling Point: 150.2°C (decomposes before boiling)
  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water, alcohol, and ether

  Chemical Properties:

  • Strong Oxidizer: Used in bleaching and disinfection
  • Decomposes into water and oxygen: 2H2O2→2H2O+O22H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂2H2​O2​→2H2​O+O2​
  • Highly reactive: Reacts with organic and inorganic compounds
  • Explosive in high concentrations | Antimicrobial: Kills bacteria and viruses

Applications and Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

H₂O₂ versatility stems from its potent oxidizing ability, making it indispensable across a broad range of industries and everyday applications:

• Industrial Use (30-70%): Packaged in HDPE drums or IBC tanks (25L to 1000L) with safety labels.
• Household Use (3-6%): Sold in plastic bottles (500ml to 1L) with childproof caps.
• Specialty Packaging: Glass bottles for cosmetics and aerosol cans for surface cleaning.

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