Are you looking for an all-star chemical that can solve your everyday problems? Do you want a cleaning agent that does the job in seconds?
Hydrogen Peroxide has become a household staple, and people are using it for literally everything. But what makes it so good?
This article covers all you need to know about what makes hydrogen peroxide as effective as it is.
So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Physical Properties of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is available in different concentrations or strengths and acts mainly as a bleaching agent or disinfectant. You can choose the type, depending on the purpose you need it for. However, note that you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safety.
State
Hydrogen Peroxide is a nearly clear liquid when it is in its anhydrous state. The color is pale blue. Due to the H- bondings, it is more viscous and less volatile than water.
It has a slightly higher dipole moment than water and comprises both non-polar and polar bonds. Hydrogen peroxide is diamagnetic.
Odor
The smell is similar to that of nitric acid, which is slightly sharp. Its vapor is odorless, which makes it an unreliable indicator of the presence of hydrogen peroxide. In industries, a monitor should be used for occupational safety.
Even though household use of hydrogen peroxide has a lower strength, it can still cause burning sensations in your throat, chest, or nose, irritation in your eyes, and mild respiratory irritation.
Viscosity
It is approximately 40% denser than water (1.44g/cm3). The reason is that hydrogen peroxide molecules have much stronger H-bonds than water molecules.
Hydrogen peroxide can form a homogenous mixture when placed in water. It is soluble in alcohol and ether but not in petroleum ether.
Temperature
When you boil the pure concentrated form of hydrogen peroxide, it will need to reach a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius.
At this point, it undergoes thermal decomposition and is susceptible to an explosion, which is why it is generally stored in an aqueous form. Furthermore, it can react to light, so we must store it in dark containers.
Do note that the boiling point is not a confirmed number due to a lack of research. We can only have a theoretical assumption as it explodes before reaching its boiling point. The melting point is -0.43 degrees Celsius.
pH
Hydrogen peroxide has a pH level of 6.2, so it is considered a weak acid. It can further form hydroperoxide, peroxide salts, or derivatives of numerous metals. The water used to dilute solutions of hydrogen peroxide commercially is usually deionized.
This is the reason why diluting H2O2 does not significantly affect the actual pH of the chemical.
How Is Hydrogen Peroxide Prepared?
You can either form Hydrogen Peroxide in a lab or commercially, in large-scale industries.
Using Sodium Peroxide (Merck’s Process):
Sodium peroxide is introduced slowly to a weak solution (20%) of sulphuric acid. This mixture is surrounded with ice and continuously stirred. After it has cooled, it forms crystals of sodium sulfate and hydrogen peroxide, which are filtered.
It results in a 30% hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution.
Using Barium Peroxide
Barium peroxide is hydrated, and its paste is placed in ice-cold water. The solution is further treated with a 20 percent ice-cold sulphuric acid solution. The reaction forms a white precipitate of barium sulfate, water, and hydrogen peroxide, which is filtered.
However, this method is inefficient as barium sulfate forms a layer around hydrogen peroxide, halting further chemical reactions.
Electrolysis of 50% sulphuric acid solution
Here, the hydrogen peroxide is obtained by distilling ammonium peroxide sulphate which is formed at the anode.
Derivative of 2-Ethyl Anthraquinone
Hydrogen peroxide is formed when a mixture of 2-ethyl anthraquinol, cyclohexanol, and benzene is circulated through the air and oxidized back.
Oxidation of Isopropyl Alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide is formed as an end result of the oxidation reaction under pressure.
How to Store Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is not light-friendly as it decomposes readily when exposed to sunlight.
It is best stored in air-tight, light-resistant plastic containers or wax-lined glass in the dark at about 15-20 degrees Celcius. It should also not be near any dust particles as dust can induce explosive decomposition.
Furthermore, you can ensure greater stability by keeping the inside surfaces of containers as free as possible from rough points.
It should be away from any eatables, metals, flammable substances, and oxidizable materials. Be careful to keep it out of reach from children and pets.
Key Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is a magical solution with multiple uses.
- As a bleaching agent: diluted solutions are used in dermal exposure to whitening skin. It is also used on a daily basis worldwide to bleach hair and is present in many whitening toothpastes. About 65% hydrogen peroxide is used globally for textile and paper bleaching.
- In detergents: it is an excellent cleaner for all washable, dye-stable fabrics.
- To produce organic compounds: it is used in flour bleaching agents, polymerizations, and acne treatments.
- Cosmetic purposes: hydrogen peroxide is a staple in the beauty industry as it has a wide application in all body products.
- As a propellant in the rocket industry: Here, the rocket belt H2O2 propulsion systems are used in jet backs
- Glow sticks: these light up beautifully when oxalate esters react with hydrogen peroxide.
- Horticulture: weak concentration solutions of H2O2 are used in watering and irrigation system
- Fish aeration: it is used effectively to control external bacteria.
- Production of alternative medicine: it is an anti-infective and has oxygenating properties.
The Takeaway
Hydrogen peroxide is a great solution to keep in your house for everyday uses, as well as for large-scale purposes.
Nonetheless, oral consumption is not recommended due to possibly fatal side effects such as severe gut damage, cardiovascular, and respiratory problems.
So, order your set today and try this almighty chemical!
