Chemical database: Hydrogen peroxide

Chemical formula H2O2 Molar mass 34.01 g mol -1 Density 1.45 g cm -3 Melting point - 0.4 °C Boiling point 150.2 °C Solubility miscible with water CAS number 7722-84-1 Hazards

Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless, relatively unstable liquid which slowly decomposes to water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). It can be mixed with water in any ratio. On the market, one can mostly found it as a 3% or a 30% solution. H₂O₂ is mostly stored in dark brown glass bottles, sometimes with H₃PO₄ added, to slow down decomposition. Because of its intensive oxidative properties, it is often used for bleaching (mostly of paper, but it is used in some hair bleaching products as well). It is also used for disinfection, in hobby rocketry (where it can be used alone, or in combination with various fuels), in the chemical industry for the manufacture of various substances, etc. One should be careful with higher concentrations, because it can easily burn and even whiten one's skin.

Hydrogen peroxide can be found in most supermarkets, in form of hair bleaching products. Unfortunately, in that form it mostly can't be used because of many additional substances that are usually added to this kind of products. Pure 30% solution, in quantity of 1000 ml, can be ordered from drugstores/pharmacies. Usually every larger drugstore should also sells solutions of various concentrations (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%) in quantities of 100 ml. The price can range from 1.5 to 3€ (in the Croatian market).