Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a remarkably versatile compound that plays an important role across a wide spectrum of industries. Its value lies in its ability to act as a potent oxidizing agent, providing antimicrobial action, bleaching capabilities, and environmental compatibility. From everyday household cleaning products to the most advanced scientific applications, hydrogen peroxide is recognized for its effectiveness and its clean decomposition into just water and oxygen. This characteristic makes it especially appealing for industries seeking sustainable and residue-free solutions.

At the molecular level, hydrogen peroxide consists of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. The additional oxygen atom, in comparison to water, is what gives this compound its powerful reactive properties. It appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sharp, acrid odor. Its reactivity is especially beneficial in processes that require oxidation, disinfection, or chemical breakdown, and its ability to decompose harmlessly contributes to its broad adoption in both controlled environments and consumer products.

Lab Alley supplies high-purity hydrogen peroxide to consumers, laboratories, manufacturers, research facilities, and more, all across the United States. Our hydrogen peroxide is ideal for a wide range of applications, including household disinfection, personal care, food sanitation, laboratory analysis, and industrial processing. We offer many different strengths, ranging from 3% to 34%. To order hydrogen peroxide in sizes ranging from 500 mL bottles to 310-gallon totes, call Lab Alley at 512-668-9918.

Chemically, hydrogen peroxide has a molar mass of 34.01 grams per mole and is catalogued under CAS number 7722-84-1. In diluted forms, such as the common 3% concentration available in pharmacies, it has a mildly acidic pH of around 4.5. The compound is fully miscible in water and slightly soluble in alcohol and ether, allowing it to be easily incorporated into various formulations. The density of hydrogen peroxide varies with concentration: approximately 1.11 grams per cubic centimeter at 3% concentration and around 1.45 grams per cubic centimeter at 100%. While it has a boiling point of roughly 150°C, it tends to decompose before reaching that temperature when concentrated, releasing oxygen gas in the process.

Despite its many advantages, hydrogen peroxide also presents significant safety considerations. At concentrations exceeding 10%, it becomes notably more hazardous, capable of causing severe skin and eye irritation, chemical burns, and reactive incidents when exposed to incompatible materials such as metals or organic matter. These risks increase with higher concentrations, particularly those used in industrial or laboratory settings. Because of this, hydrogen peroxide is classified as both a strong oxidizer and a corrosive substance. Facilities that store or use it must follow rigorous safety procedures, including controlled environments, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and secure, labeled storage containers.

Overall, hydrogen peroxide’s unique blend of efficacy, environmental friendliness, and adaptability makes it an indispensable tool in modern chemistry and industry. However, its reactive nature also means that it must be handled with respect and awareness of its properties. Proper understanding of its physical and chemical characteristics is essential for safe and effective use across any application.

Key Facts About Hydrogen Peroxide:

• Synonyms: Peroxide, Hydrogen Dioxide, Dioxidane
• Chemical Formula: H₂O₂
• CAS Number: 7722-84-1
• Molar Mass: 34.01 g/mol
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sharp odor

Lab Alley’s hydrogen peroxide products are formulated to meet stringent quality and purity standards, making them suitable for applications such as household disinfection, wound care, surface sanitization, organic farming, food processing, chemical synthesis, semiconductor cleaning, and environmental remediation. As a powerful and versatile oxidizing agent with the chemical formula H₂O₂, hydrogen peroxide offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial action and safely decomposes into water and oxygen, making it both effective and environmentally responsible.