Difference between revisions of "Zinc peroxide"

Revision as of 13:36, 17 August 2015

Zinc peroxide, ZnO₂, is a unique and chemically interesting compound of zinc.

Properties

Chemical

Zinc peroxide is an oxidizer capable of sustaining energetic mixtures.

It was once used as an antiseptic, because it introduces large amounts of oxygen into the environment of anaerobic bacteria.

Zinc peroxide will react with diluted acids to release oxygen.^[1] It will also slowly decompose in water.^[2]

Physical

Zinc peroxide is a white to bright yellow solid, insoluble in water. It has a density of 1.57 g/cm³. Zinc peroxide decomposes explosively if heated to 212 °C.^[3]

Availability

Zinc peroxide is sold by dentistry suppliers, usually 60% pure.

Production

Zinc peroxide can be made by reacting concentrated hydrogen peroxide with zinc chloride.

A suspension of zinc oxide in hydrogen peroxide will eventually turn a shade of yellow as ZnO₂ is formed but it does not go to completion in dilute peroxide and separating the two insoluble oxides formed this way is impossible. Some energetic properties can still be observed with this mixture however.

Projects

• Flash powder

Handling

Safety

Zinc peroxide is irritant to eyes, nose and mouth. Proper protection should be worn when handling the compound.^[4]

Storage

Zinc peroxide should be stored in closed containers, away from moisture and acidic vapors.

Disposal

Zinc peroxide can be neutralized with acids.

References

1. ↑ http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/sccp/documents/out180_en.pdf
2. ↑ Handbook for Pharmacy Technicians, By United States Department of the Army, p. 285
3. ↑ http://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/1724
4. ↑ http://www.t3db.ca/system/msds/attachments/000/000/786/original/T3D0737.pdf

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• zinc peroxide
• Zinc peroxide