Hydrogen Peroxide Fundamentals

We provide you with some basic information about the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide. Please find below a general description of H2O2, its most important technical data, as well as the markets and industries peroxide hydrogen is most commonly used in.

What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a clear, colorless, inorganic liquid chemical compound with an acidic pH and in its pure form a pale blue liquid. Because of the complete solubility of hydrogen peroxide in water, solutions of a wide range of concentrations can be made. The amount of H2O2 present is expressed as a percent of the solutions weight. Thus, 10 kilograms of a 35% solution contains 3.5 kilograms of hydrogen peroxide and 6.5 kilograms of water.

The chemical peroxide hydrogen is produced today almost exclusively according to the anthraquinone-autoxidation (AO) process. In this AO process, 

hydrogen peroxide is produced from hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen, whereby an anthraquinone derivative, which is circulated, acts as "reaction carrier". The crude hydrogen peroxide derived through the AO process is then purified and concentrated.

After appropriate stabilization, the product is marketed as an aqueous solution, usually in concentrations of 35, 50, and 70 percent by weight. Other concentrations or special grades, the purity and stabilization of which are matched to special requirements, are likewise available.

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Technical DataDescription
CAS nameHydrogen peroxide
CAS number7722-84-1
FormulaH2O2
MarketsAerospace, Agriculture, Chemical Industry,
Home Care & Cleaning,
Personal Care & Beauty,
Electronics & Telecommunications,
Energy, Environment & Utilities,
Food & Beverage, Pharma,
Pulp, Paper & Packaging
EffectsBleaching agent
Disinfectant
Oxidizing agent
EINECS231-765-0
CodeHydrogen peroxide
SynonymsHydrogen dioxide
Bleaching chemical
Eau oxygenée
Perhydrol
Peroxide hydrogen
Peroxyde
Molecular weight34 g/mol
Delivery formCan, drum, IBC, bulk 
SustainabilityHydrogen peroxide is an environmentally friendly chemical. It decomposes
to yield only oxygen and water. Hydrogen peroxide is one of the
cleanest, most versatile chemicals available.

General Information

BL Active Oxygens hydrogen peroxide analytical methods

Analytical Methods

If you need different methods of analysis to determine the concentration and decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), click here!

BL AO hydrogen peroxide calculations

Calculations

If you need to determine the hydrogen peroxide density based on the weight concentration using our H2O2 calculator, please click here!

BL Active Oxygens hydrogen peroxide classification

Classification

To get an overview of how hydrogen peroxide is handled under the GHS and the European regulation, click here!

BL AO hydrogen peroxide packaging

Packaging

If you would like to get an overview of our packaging options and find out about the terms for bulk deliveries, please click here! 

BL Active Oxygens hydrogen peroxide physico chemical properties

Physico-Chemical Properties

If you would like to find out more about the product properties and the physical and chemical characteristics of hydrogen peroxide, please click here!

BL AO hydrogen peroxide safety and handling

Safety & Handling

If you need to know about safety measures related to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), its handling and storage, please click here!

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Stability & Decomposition

Want to know that hydrogen peroxide is extremely stable under normal conditions, and that properly designed storage and handling easily manage the decomposition of peroxide? Please click here!

BL AO hydrogen peroxide storage

Storage

Storing hydrogen peroxide requires some special precautions. Want to learn about hydrogen peroxide handling and storage recommendations and the five basic rules? Please click here!

BL AO hydrogen peroxide transport

Transport

If you want to know more about the dangerous goods regulations and dangerous goods classifications (which apply to concentrations of 8 percent by weight and above) for the transportation of hydrogen peroxide, please click here!