What are the characteristics of hydrogen peroxide?
Peroxide is a chemical compound that contains the peroxide ion (O22-). The peroxide ion consists of a single bond between two oxygen atoms: (O-O)2-. It is a strong oxidiser. Hydrogen peroxide has the chemical formula H2O2 and the following structural formula: H-O-O-H The hydrogen peroxide molecule contains one extra oxygen atom, compared to the more stable water molecule. The bond between the two oxygen atoms, the so-called peroxide bond, is broken while two H-O radicals are formed. These radicals quickly react with other substances, while new radicals are formed and a chain reaction takes place. Hydrogen peroxide solutions look like water and can be dissolved in water unrestrainedly. At high concentrations these solutions give off an irritating, acidic smell. Hydrogen peroxide is inflammable. At low temperatures it becomes solid. The amount of hydrogen peroxide in the solution is expressed in weight percentage. For water treatment, concentrations of 35 or 50 % hydrogen peroxide are us
