Zinc peroxide

From Sciencemadness Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Zinc peroxide
ZnO2 by Tdep.png
Zinc Peroxide reacts to an open flame
Names
IUPAC name
Zinc peroxide
Other names
Zinc dioxide
Properties
ZnO2
Molar mass 97.408 g/mol
Appearance White-yellow solid
Density 1.57 g/cm3
Melting point 212 °C (414 °F; 485 K) (decomposes)
Boiling point (decomposes)
Insoluble
Solubility Insoluble in organic solvents
Acidity (pKa) ~7 (3% solution)
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich
Related compounds
Related compounds
Hydrogen peroxide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Zinc peroxide, ZnO2, is a unique and chemically interesting compound of zinc. It is an insoluble zinc salt of hydrogen peroxide.

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, as a salt of a very weak acid and a very weak base, 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. Zinc acetate can also be used.

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
  • Antiseptic

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