Sodium peroxide
Sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂) is an inorganic peroxide salt and a strong oxidizer. It releases oxygen and forms hydrogen peroxide when it reacts with water.
Peroxide: A compound containing an oxygen–oxygen single bond, with oxygen in the −1 oxidation state. Sodium peroxide belongs to this chemical family because its anion contains an oxygen–oxygen bond.
Chemical oxygen generator: A device that produces breathable oxygen through chemical reactions. Sodium peroxide can supply oxygen in compact systems where stored gas is impractical.
Sodium: A soft, highly reactive alkali metal with atomic number 11. Sodium atoms form the positive ions that balance peroxide ions in the solid.
Sodium superoxide: An ionic compound, NaO₂, containing the superoxide ion O₂⁻. It is a related sodium oxygen compound with a different oxygen-to-sodium ratio and reactivity.
Sodium oxide: An ionic compound, Na₂O, containing oxide ions rather than peroxide ions. Its similar formula masks a different oxygen ion and markedly different reactivity.
Self-contained breathing apparatus: A portable breathing system that supplies air independently of the surrounding atmosphere. Peroxide-based oxygen generation has been used in closed-circuit breathing equipment.
Ionic compound: A substance composed of oppositely charged ions held together by electrostatic attraction. Sodium peroxide is built from sodium cations and peroxide anions.
Sodium hypochlorite: An inorganic sodium salt, NaOCl, widely used as a bleach and disinfectant. It is a common oxidizing agent but contains chlorine rather than a peroxide unit.
Hydrogen peroxide: A reactive compound, H₂O₂, whose molecule contains an oxygen–oxygen single bond. Water converts sodium peroxide into this familiar peroxide through hydrolysis.
Oxygen: A chemical element, O, that forms about one-fifth of Earth’s atmosphere by volume. Sodium peroxide can release this gas when heated or reacted with water.