Definition
Peroxides are organic or inorganic compounds with the general chemical structure R1-O-O-R2. The simplest and best known representative is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2): H-O-O-H. Peroxides can also form the peroxide anion O22−, for example, lithium peroxide: Li2O2.
Nomenclature
The trivial names of peroxides are often formed with the suffix -peroxide or the prefix Per-.
Representative
A selection of peroxides:
- Artemether
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Dibenzoyl peroxide
- Peracetic acid
- Hydrogen peroxide
Reactions
Peroxides are reactive because the bond between oxygen atoms (-O-O-) is weak. Peroxides are strong oxidizing agents, which make oxygen available for combustion or other chemical reactions.
In pharmacy
Peroxides are used in pharmacy and medicine as disinfectants, bleaches, against acne, malaria (artemether) and as reagents, among other uses.
Abuse
Peroxides can be misused to make illegal explosives. Acetone can be used with hydrogen peroxide to produce the unstable and explosive acetone peroxide (APEX), which has been misused in several terrorist attacks in the past.
