Question

Hydrocarbon perioxide is a thich syrup liquid with a better taste. It can be prepared by a number of methods both in the laboratory as well as commercially. However, the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide is a big problem since it readily decomposes when heated under normal conditions of temperature and pressure.
(i) How is the strength of `H_(2)O_(2)` generally expressed?
(II) What is the meaning of 20 volume `H_(2)O_(2)` solution?
(iii) What are the values associated with the use of hydrogen perioxde?

Answer 1

(i) Strength of `H_(2)O_(2)` is generally expressed in terms of volume i.e. as 10 volume, 15 volume, 20 volumes etc.
(ii) A 20 volume of `H_(2)O_(2)` solution means that 1 mL of `H_(2)O_(2)` evolves 20mL of `O_(2)` under N.T.P. conditions
(iii) Hydrogen proxide is useful in a number of ways. It acts as a bleachin agent for delicate materials like, silk, wool nad a constitutent of hair dyes. It is also reagarded as a better bleaching agent in the laundary than chlorine since it does not release any poisnous vapoours unlike chlorine and thus, promotes Green Chemistry. It is used as an antiseptic fore washing fresh wounds. It is also as an oxidant in rocket fuels.