Question

1. Explain why hydrogen peroxide is stored in coloured plastic bottles. 

2. Write any two uses of H₂O₂ .

Answer 1

1. In the presence of metal surfaces or traces of alkali (present in glass conatiners), the decomposition of H₂O₂ (2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂) is catalysed. It is therefore stored in wax-lined glasses or plastic vessels in dark.

2. 1. As a hair bleach and as a mild disinfectant.

2. In the syntheseis of hydroquinone, tartaric acid and certain food products and pharmaceuticals.