Thursday Chem
10 Sep 09
Peroxides, what are they? A common question I get from all students.
The simplest answer - it is a compound containing 2 oxygen atoms joined by a single bond. Peroxides are highly basic. Common peroxide is hydrogen peroxide which is used as bleach and also as a disinfectant.
For example, R-O-O-R’ or H-O-O-H (hydrogen peroxide).
When most students see 2 oxygen atoms in a chemical formula, most assume the oxygen has an ionic charge of -2; thus, O=O (diatomic element of oxygen). However, when 2 oxygen atoms are bonded to 2 metallic elements such as the elements in Group 1, the oxygen atoms bonded to these metals have a charge of -1, resulting in a peroxide. eg. Potassium peroxide, Lithium peroxide.
The simplest answer - it is a compound containing 2 oxygen atoms joined by a single bond. Peroxides are highly basic. Common peroxide is hydrogen peroxide which is used as bleach and also as a disinfectant.
For example, R-O-O-R’ or H-O-O-H (hydrogen peroxide).
When most students see 2 oxygen atoms in a chemical formula, most assume the oxygen has an ionic charge of -2; thus, O=O (diatomic element of oxygen). However, when 2 oxygen atoms are bonded to 2 metallic elements such as the elements in Group 1, the oxygen atoms bonded to these metals have a charge of -1, resulting in a peroxide. eg. Potassium peroxide, Lithium peroxide.