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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Peroxide and Hydrogen Peroxide?

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The main difference between peroxide and hydrogen peroxide is that peroxide is an anion, while hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound. Here are the key points to understand the difference:

  • Peroxide: Peroxide is an oxygen-containing anion with the molecular formula of O22-. It is a special category of oxygen compounds with unique properties. Peroxides can refer to a wide range of compounds containing the peroxide anion.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the simplest compound among all peroxides. It is a reactive oxygen species and the simplest peroxide, a compound having an oxygen-oxygen single bond. Hydrogen peroxide is used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic, usually as a dilute solution (3%–6% by weight) in water for consumer use, and in higher concentrations for industrial use.

In summary, peroxide is an anion that can be found in various compounds, while hydrogen peroxide is a specific chemical compound containing the peroxide anion.

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  • What is the Difference Between Peroxide and Hydrogen Peroxide?
  • Comparative Table: Peroxide vs Hydrogen Peroxide

    • Comparative Table: Peroxide vs Hydrogen Peroxide

    Here is a table comparing peroxide and hydrogen peroxide:

    Feature Peroxide Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
    Definition A compound containing an oxygen-oxygen single bond (O-O). A specific type of peroxide and the simplest peroxide, with the chemical formula H2O2.
    Structure Generally, peroxides have the structure R-O-O-R, where R represents an organic group. Hydrogen peroxide has the structure H-O-O-H, with the peroxide functional group attached to a hydrogen atom.
    Properties Peroxides are oftenused as oxidizers, bleaching agents, and antiseptics. Hydrogen peroxide is a very pale blue liquid, slightly more viscous than water, and can decompose into water and elemental oxygen when exposed to light or organic compounds.
    Uses Peroxides are used in various applications, such as bleaching, disinfection, and chemical synthesis. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic, usually as a dilute solution (3%–6% by weight) in water for consumer use, and in higher concentrations for industrial use.

    In summary, peroxide is a general term for compounds containing an oxygen-oxygen single bond, while hydrogen peroxide is a specific type of peroxide with the chemical formula H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide is a common oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic, often used in dilute solutions for consumer applications and in higher concentrations for industrial purposes.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.