hydrogen peroxide

A binary compound of hydrogen and oxygen, empirical formula H2O2, used mostly in dilute aqueous solutions as an oxidizing agent. Its most remarkable feature is its tendency to decompose readily into water and oxygen.
Anhydrous hydrogen peroxide is a clear, colorless liquid, of nearly the same viscosity and dielectric constant as water, but of greater density. Like water, it is strongly associated through hydrogen bonds. It boils at 150°C (300°F) with violent, sometimes explosive decomposition. Decomposition by light begins only in the near ultraviolet. As a solvent, hydrogen peroxide resembles water, except that acids and bases show much lower electrical conductivity. Although a fairly strong oxidant, it can act as a mild reducing agent, for example, with permanganates and perchromates.
Hydrogen peroxide is used mainly for bleaching cotton and other fibers, natural or synthetic. Increasing amounts are used in the pulp and paper industry. Its well-known cosmetic use as hair bleach consumes relatively little of the commercial 10% (30 volume) solution. In medicine it is useful for cleansing wounds and cuts, although its antiseptic action is rather slow. A limited but important use of the concentrated peroxide is for energy production in rockets, submarines (during submersion), airplanes (at takeoff), and the steering of space vessels. See also Chemical fuel.
Hydrogen peroxide, especially when concentrated, requires great care in handling and storing. When dropped on paper or wood, it can start a fire. Contact with the skin causes blotches that can be painful, but they disappear after a few hours without leaving traces

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