Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a pale-blue compound of hydrogen and oxygen with the formula H₂O₂. Its reactive oxygen–oxygen bond makes it an oxidizer that decomposes into water and oxygen.

Oxidation: A chemical process in which a substance loses electrons or increases its oxidation state. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes many substances by accepting electrons as its oxygen–oxygen bond is reduced.
Disinfection: The reduction of harmful microorganisms on objects or surfaces, usually without eliminating resistant spores. Hydrogen peroxide disinfects by damaging microbial proteins, membranes, and other cellular components.
Chemical formula: A notation showing the types and numbers of atoms in a substance. The formula H₂O₂ distinguishes hydrogen peroxide from water, H₂O.
Water: A compound of hydrogen and oxygen with the formula H₂O. Water is a stable decomposition product of hydrogen peroxide, not an equivalent oxidizer.
Chemical burn: Tissue damage caused by contact with a corrosive or otherwise harmful chemical. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide can injure skin and eyes through oxidation and tissue damage.
Catalase: An enzyme that rapidly converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Catalase provides a major biological route for removing hydrogen peroxide.
Aseptic packaging: A packaging process that sterilizes containers and fills them with commercially sterile products under sterile conditions. Hydrogen peroxide can sterilize packaging materials before they are filled with food or beverages.
Peroxide: A compound or ion containing an oxygen–oxygen single bond. Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest compound in the peroxide family.
Sodium hypochlorite: An inorganic chlorine compound used as a bleach and disinfectant, commonly sold in aqueous solution. It is a widely used alternative disinfectant with different chemistry and handling risks.
Oxygen toxicity: Tissue injury caused by exposure to excessive oxygen or reactive oxygen species. Hydrogen peroxide can contribute to oxidative injury when cellular defenses are overwhelmed.

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