Peroxides

Definition

Peroxides are compounds containing an oxygen-oxygen single bond (O-O). They are often used as oxidizing agents and have the general formula $R-O-O-R'$, where R and R' can be hydrogen or organic groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Peroxides can act as both oxidizing agents and bleaching agents.
2. The simplest peroxide is hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$), which decomposes into water and oxygen.
3. Many metal peroxides, such as sodium peroxide ($Na_2O_2$), form peroxy anions ($O_2^{2-}$).
4. Organic peroxides are used in polymerization reactions due to their ability to generate free radicals.
5. Peroxides can be hazardous and need to be handled with care due to their instability and potential for explosive decomposition.

Review Questions

• What is the general chemical structure of a peroxide?
• How does hydrogen peroxide decompose, and what are the products?
• Why are organic peroxides commonly used in polymerization reactions?

Related terms

Oxidizing Agent:

A substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction, causing another substance to be oxidized.

Free Radicals:

Highly reactive atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons, often formed during the decomposition of peroxides.

$H_2O_2$:

Hydrogen peroxide, a common example of a simple peroxide that acts as a disinfectant and bleaching agent.