Potassium Peroxide
Potassium peroxide, K2O2, is a yellow inorganic solid formed when potassium reacts with oxygen (alongside the oxide and superoxide). It is a strong oxidising and bleaching agent that liberates oxygen when heated or on contact with water — the property that makes it useful in oxygen-generating systems for submarines and spacecraft. It ignites combustible material on contact and reacts violently with water, so RXSOL supplies it only to industrial and laboratory users with the handling and storage requirements on the MSDS.
- Part number
- RXSOL-19-3786-050
- Category
- Clean Air deodorizer
- Brand
- RXSOL
Overview
Potassium peroxide is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula K₂O₂. It is formed as potassium reacts with oxygen in the air, along with potassium oxide and potassium superoxide.
Potassium peroxide is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula K₂O₂. It is formed as potassium reacts with oxygen in the air, along with potassium oxide and potassium superoxide.
Applications
Potassium peroxide K2O2 is a yellow, solid inorganic compound that acts as a strong oxidizing and bleaching agent, releasing oxygen when heated or reacting with water, making it useful in oxygen generators for spacecraft or submarines, but it's also a significant fire and explosion hazard, igniting combustible materials on contact and reacting violently with water, requiring careful handling and storage away from organics, moisture, and heat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chemical name of K2O2?
Potassium peroxide (dipotassium peroxide). Potassium superoxide is KO2 and potassium oxide is K2O.
What is potassium peroxide used for?
Oxygen generation and air revitalisation, as an oxidiser and bleaching agent, and in laboratory oxidations.
How must it be stored?
Sealed, dry, away from water, organics, acids and heat; it is an oxidiser (DG class 5.1).
