Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound which uses the formula H2O2. It is a very pale blue liquid in the pure form and is slightly more viscous compared to water. It is most commonly used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and an antiseptic. The chemistry of the compound is dominated by the nature of its unstable peroxide bond.

Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest type of peroxide, which is defined as a compound with an oxygen–oxygen single bond. It is not stable and decomposes slowly when exposed to light. As a result of the instability, hydrogen peroxide is often stored with a stabilizer in a weakly acidic solution and placed in a dark colored bottle. Hydrogen peroxide is present in biological systems, which include the human body. Peroxidases are enzymes which use or decompose hydrogen peroxide.

The boiling point of hydrogen peroxide is 302.4 °F, which is about 90 °F more than water. While hydrogen peroxide can potentially undergo an explosive thermal decomposition when it is heated to this temperature, it can be safely distilled at lower temperatures under a reduced pressure.

In humans and in other animals, hydrogen peroxide forms as a short-lived product in biochemical processes, which is toxic to the cells.

There are many domestic uses for hydrogen peroxide, which typically include using it as a cleaning product or disinfecting agent.

Nearly 60% of the production of hydrogen peroxide throughout the world is used to bleach pulp and paper products. The second most prominent industrial application is manufacturing sodium percarbonate and sodium perborate. These products are used as a mild bleach which is used in many laundry detergents. Sodium percarbonate is the active ingredient in many popular laundry products, including OxiClean and Tide laundry detergent. When it is dissolved into water, it releases hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate. Alone, these bleaching agents only prove to be effective at temperatures of about 140 °F or higher. As a result, they are often used in addition to bleach activators, which allow for cleaning and effectiveness at much lower temperatures.

Bleaching

Diluted hydrogen peroxide which is between 1.9% and 12%, is often mixed with aqueous ammonia to bleach the hair. The bleaching property of the chemical is where the phrase "peroxide blonde" comes from. In addition, hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to whiten the teeth and is found in many of the most popular whitening toothpastes. Hydrogen peroxide has shown positive results involving the lightening of the teeth. It works through the oxidization of colored pigments onto the enamel, which results in the shade of the tooth becoming lighter. Hydrogen peroxide can also be mixed with salt and baking soda to make toothpaste at home.

Removal of Blood Stains

Hydrogen peroxide reacts with blood to act as a bleaching agent. Because of this, if a blood stain is relatively fresh and has not been sitting for too long, a generous application of hydrogen peroxide can completely bleach out a blood stain. In some cases, multiple applications may be required. After applying hydrogen peroxide to the blood stain, allow it to soak in for about two minutes. The remaining residue should then be firmly blotted out. This process can be repeated in order to achieve the desired results.