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Why is hydrogen peroxide so important in history? Learn about the mysterious uses of peroxide!
In the field of chemistry, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and its derivatives have always played an important role. These peroxides are not only widely used in laboratories, but also have a place in cleaning agents and bleaches in daily life. The chemical properties of peroxides and the wide range of uses of their derivatives have made them indispensable materials for scientific research and industrial production since the 19th century.
Chemical basis of peroxides
Peroxides are metal compounds containing covalently or ionically bonded peroxide ions (O2^2−). This large family of compounds can be divided into two types: ionic and covalent. Most alkali and alkaline earth metal peroxides belong to the former, while hydroperoxides and peroxymonosulfuric acid (H2SO5) represent the latter. By analyzing the peroxides of different metals, it can be found that their chemical properties and uses vary greatly.
Peroxide is composed of two oxygen atoms connected by a single bond, and the stability of this structure has a profound impact on its chemical reactivity.
Preparation of peroxides
The preparation of peroxides is mostly achieved through oxidation reactions of elements. For example, lithium peroxide (Li2O2) can be synthesized by reacting lithium hydroxide with hydrogen peroxide. This reaction demonstrates the potential application of peroxides in chemical synthesis.
Barium peroxide (BaO2) is produced by oxidizing barium oxide (BaO) at high temperatures and pressures, a process that illustrates the historical use of peroxides in oxygen generation.
Reactivity of peroxides
Peroxides are relatively reactive. Under the action of dilute acids or water, they release hydrogen peroxide. This reaction not only demonstrates one of the everyday uses of peroxides, but also demonstrates their importance in chemical transformations.
Transition metal peroxides
Transition metal peroxides are rarer than other types of peroxides, but they still exhibit special properties in certain chemical reactions. For example, chromium(VI) oxide peroxides demonstrated the role of peroxides in metal complexes, showing that peroxides can act as bidentate ligands that can participate in a variety of chemical reactions.
Application of peroxide
Many inorganic peroxides are used in the bleaching of textiles and paper, and as additives in cleaning products. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, people prefer to use peroxides rather than chlorine-based compounds, which shows the potential for wide application of peroxides in daily life.
In submarines and spacecraft, certain peroxides can be used to generate oxygen from exhaled carbon dioxide, demonstrating not only the utility of peroxides but also their value in extreme environments.
Important moments in history
The history of peroxides can be traced back to the 18th century, when Alexander von Humboldt synthesized barium peroxide in 1799, paving the way for its application. Then, in 1811, Louis-Jacques Tanner first realized the potential of peroxides in the preparation of hydroperoxides. Although early attempts at industrial production failed, the establishment of the first hydroperoxide factory in Berlin in 1873 demonstrated the importance of these compounds.
The wide range of uses of hydrogen peroxide and its derivatives in science and industry make them important chemicals, and as technology advances, the potential applications of peroxides will continue to expand. In the future, will peroxide play a more important role in a wider range of fields?
