Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an odorless and colorless liquid. This substance is an unstable compound. It dissolves well in water and decomposes into the light even under room temperature conditions. In the pharmacy network peroxide is sold as a 3% hydrogen peroxide. As a medicine, it is used due to antiseptic and hemostatic effect.

Hydrogen peroxide, the formula of which contains two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms, has reducing and oxidizing properties. It is able to induce an oxidative reaction with nitrites, converting them into nitrates. In addition, the peroxide from metal iodides releases iodine. It also cleaves unsaturated compounds.

The production of hydrogen peroxide under industrial conditions occurs as a result of a reaction in which organic substances participate. For example, catalytic oxidation of isopropyl alcohol. The most valuable by-product, which stands out in this case, is acetone. Chemical industry hydrogen peroxide is produced and as a result of the electrolysis of sulfuric acid. Purification of peroxide is carried out with its careful distillation.

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in industry and in everyday life. For example, in the textile industry it performs bleaching of fabrics, and in wood processing they use it in the production of paper. As an oxidizing element, peroxide serves as fuel for missiles. Hydrogen peroxide is also widely used in analytical chemistry. In the construction industry, this substance serves as a foaming agent used in the production of porous materials. In various industries, peroxide can be one of the components in the manufacture of bleaching and disinfecting agents, and also play the role of catalysts of a hydrogenating agent.

A 3% hydrogen peroxide, which is sold in a pharmacy network, is recommended for the treatment of shallow wounds. The product provides antiseptic effect. Preference for peroxide is also given for purification of deep purulent, complex-shaped wounds with difficulties in their sanitation. The effectiveness of peroxide is explained by its ability to produce a lot of foaming material, which softens blood clots and pus, separating them from tissues. The subsequent administration of an antiseptic solution removes pathological neoplasms. Carrying out these procedures significantly reduces the time of wound healing and improves the patient's condition.

As an external preparation peroxide is recommended for rubbing into any foci of pain, in the form of various compresses, for rinsing the oral cavity, with multiple sclerosis, etc.

Hydrogen peroxide is used to whiten tooth enamel and discolor hair. However, it should be remembered that peroxide in these cases oxidizes, therefore, destroys the tissues. Therefore, the use of peroxide (especially for bleaching tooth enamel) is not recommended by specialists.

The food industry uses hydrogen peroxide solutions as a means of disinfecting the surface of technological equipment. It processes those parts of machines that have direct contact with the products. Enterprises that produce dairy products and pack them with Tetra Pak technology are treated with peroxide packaging. Thus, its disinfection is achieved.

Hydrogen peroxide is also used for technical purposes. It is used in the manufacture of electronic devices.

At home, it removes spots that appear on objects after their interaction with manganese. The effect occurs as a result of an oxidative reaction.