peroxide

peroxide (pərŏk`sīd), chemical compound containing two oxygen atoms, each of which is bonded to the other and to a radical or some element other than oxygen; e.g., in hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂, the atoms are joined together in the chainlike structure H-O-O-H. Peroxides are powerful oxidizing agents. They are unstable, releasing oxygen when heated. Peroxides may be formed directly by reaction of an element or compound with oxygen. In dry, carbon-dioxide-free air, sodium or barium metal reacts to form its peroxide. In moist air, zinc metal is oxidized and hydrogen peroxide is formed. When a metal peroxide is treated with a dilute acid, a solution of hydrogen peroxide and a metal salt is formed. Ethers can react with oxygen from the air to form peroxides. This creates a special hazard, since the peroxides are often so unstable that they decompose explosively if heated.

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peroxide

Any of a class of chemical compounds in which two oxygen atoms are linked by a single covalent bond. Several organic (see organic compound) and inorganic (see inorganic compound) peroxides are useful as bleaching and oxidizing agents (see oxidation-reduction), as initiators of polymerization reactions, and in the preparation of hydrogen peroxide (a mild bleach and antiseptic) and other oxygen compounds. The peroxide anion (chemical formula O₂²⁻) is present in peroxides of inorganic compounds.

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peroxide

1. short for hydrogen peroxide esp when used for bleaching hair

2. any of a class of metallic oxides, such as sodium peroxide, Na₂O₂, that contain the divalent ion ^--O-O^--

3. any of certain dioxides, such as manganese peroxide, MnO₂, that resemble peroxides in their formula but do not contain the ^--O-O^-- ion

4. any of a class of organic compounds whose molecules contain two oxygen atoms bound together. They tend to be explosive