One of the most versatile and environmentally friendly chemicals available today, Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is useful for the following applications:
- An oxidizing agent for both organic and inorganic chemical processing
- A bleach for textiles and pulp
- A treatment for municipal and industrial waste
The versatility of Hydrogen Peroxide is expressed by oxidation potentials that can be manipulated by the adjustment of pH and presence of transition metals. In the acidic pH range, an un-catalyzed Hydrogen Peroxide is only a moderate oxidizer. But when it is catalyzed with iron, Hydrogen Peroxide becomes a powerful oxidizer that produces hydroxyl radicals.
In the alkaline pH range, Hydrogen Peroxide is nearly as strong an oxidizer as hypochlorite. Because it breaks down to oxygen and water and the versatility of its oxidizing properties, Hydrogen Peroxide can be used in numerous applications have been developed such as:
- bleaching
- odor control
- wastewater treatment
FMC has been a leader in the manufacture and development of applications for this green chemistry for over 50 years.
Visit the Hydrogen Peroxide Resource Center.