What is Hydrogen peroxide?
[[File:Hydrogen peroxide.png|thumb|[[Stuctural formula]] of hydrogen peroxide. H is [[hydrogen]] and O is [[oxygen]]. The lines repsent the [[chemical bond]]s between the [[atom]]s.]] [[File:Hydrogen-peroxide-3D-vdW.png|thumb|A picture to show simply how the atoms may fill space. The white is hydrogen and the red is oxygen.]] '''Hydrogen peroxide''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its [[molecular formula]] is H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. It is used as a cleaner, and as hair bleach. In a [[concentration (chemistry)|concentration]] of 3% (meaning that there are 3 grams of hydrogen peroxide for 100 grams of a water solution), it can be used to treat [[wound]]s. Over time, it will slowly become [[oxygen]] gas and [[water]] through decomposition. [[Chemistry|Chemists]] often use hydrogen peroxide in [[chemical reaction]]s. It is a very strong [[redox|oxidising agent]] when used with [[acid]] and [[water]]. ''Oxidising agents'' take [[electron]]s from other compounds. :2 Fe<sup>2+</sup>(aq) + H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> + 2 H+(aq) → 2 Fe<sup>3+</sup>(aq) + 2 H<sub>2</sub>O(l) Here hydrogen peroxide takes an electron from the Fe2+ [[ion]]s and becomes water. It can also be a [[redox|reducing agent]] when used with other compounds. When it acts as a reducing agent, oxygen gas is also produced. ''Reducing agents'' give [[electron]]s to other compounds. This method is often used to make oxygen in [[laboratory|laboratories]]. :NaOCl + H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> → O<sub>2</sub> + NaCl + H<sub>2</sub>O Hydrogen peroxide can be bought in shops when mixed with lots of water but is very dangerous when the [[concentration]] is higher. It is [[flammable]] and causes [[burn]]s. {{chem-stub}} [[Category:Oxygen compounds]] [[Category:Hydrogen compounds]]