Hydrogen Peroxide
By Nicolas Fan
Chemical Name
Chemical Formula
Compound Structure
Compound Type
Different shape
Different shape
Common Uses
Properties
State: Hydrogen peroxide is a clear, colourless, odourless liquid. Similar to H2O, hydrogen bonding forms strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding. These strong hydrogen bonding makes it a liquid. It is also aqueous since it has hydrogen atoms, making it a weak acid. Most of the time, we encounter hydrogen peroxide mixed with water as an aqueous solution.
Melting Point: -0.43°C. Although it may seem like this is a low melting point, it is actually very high for a covalent compound. This is because even though it shares its electrons, the bonding type for hydrogen peroxide is hydrogen bonding, which is the strongest type. This makes it harder to melt compared to other covalent compounds.
Boiling Point: 150.2°C. The intermolecular force for hydrogen peroxide is hydrogen bonding. This is the strongest type so therefore, it takes a great deal of energy to break them down. This is why the boiling point is so high.
Chemical Properties:
Flammability: Hydrogen peroxide is not flammable, however it does support combustion because of the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in it. When mixed with oxygen gas, hydrogen peroxide immediately breaks down into carbon dioxide and water vapour. This is why it was used in rocket fuel and torpedo engines.
Toxicity: Hydrogen peroxide is not considered to be toxic, however it can be very dangerous. It can severely injure delicate tissue. It should not be inhaled or digested as it is a very dangerous oxidizer which increases oxygen levels available to the substance.
Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide
Costs to human health
Environmental Impact
Suggestions for safe use
References
USPeroxide. http://www.h2o2.com/technical-library/default.aspx?pid=66&name=Safety-amp-Handling (July 7 2014)
Katie Waldeck, Care2. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/15-surprising-uses-for-hydrogen-peroxide.html (July 5 2014)
Solvay Sustainable. http://www.icca-chem.org/Portal/SafetySummarySheets/634656930601760052_PSS%20Hydrogen%20peroxide_V01.pdf (July 6 2014)