Chemical Properties/Reaction Tendencies:
        Hydrogen peroxide, upon contact with heat, will usually decompose into water and oxygen  (2H₂O₂ ==> 2H₂O + O₂).  Hydrogen peroxide also decomposes, when in contact with salts such as iron, copper, manganese, nickel, or chromium.  When in contact with some organic compounds, hydrogen peroxide will form certain peroxides or hydroperoxides, which will start polymerization reactions.  Hydrogen peroxide also oxidizes certain substances in most reactions(4).  A high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, though, can be explosive when in contact with metals, such as the ones named above, and organic compounds, such as ethers and acetals(9).  Hydrogen peroxide can be dissolved in water and in alcohol(11).

Where is it found?  What is its natural abundance?  How is it obtained?
        Small amounts of hydrogen peroxide can be found in our tissues or in our cells as a product of cellular metabolism(7).  It can also be found in our saliva, which causes the foaming in our mouths when in contact with toothpaste(8).  Hydrogen peroxide is obtained in mass quantities by the eletrolysis of aqueous solutions of sulfuric acids, of potassium bisulfate, or of ammonium bisulfate(6).  Another process of producing hydrogen peroxide is presented by I.G. Farbenindustrie, which took hydrogen and oxygen as the raw material.  The company took 2-ethylanthraquinol and oxidized it into 2-ethylanthraquinone though a solution of quinol in an organic solvent.  The hydrogen peroxide that is form is extracted and the quinone is put back into the process by hydrogen to continue the production of hydrogen peroxide(2).  Hydrogen peroxide can be produced in the concentrations of 3%, 35%, 50%, 70%, and 90%.  The world produces over half-million tons of hydrogen peroxide every year(2).

Send mail to Justin Lin with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2000 Justin Lin
Last modified: April 30, 2000