Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (CAS 7722-84-1), or H2O2, is an oxidizing agent and bleaching compound used in industrial, food-grade, and pharmaceutical supply chains.

Where is Hydrogen peroxide used?

• Pulp, paper and textile processing: primary bleaching agent that brightens fibers without chlorine residues
• Water treatment: oxidizes organic contaminants, breaks down biofilm, supports advanced oxidation with ozone or UV
• Personal care: hair bleaching and tooth-whitening products
• Food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing: surface and equipment sterilant for aseptic packaging lines and cleanrooms
• Mining and chemical synthesis: process oxidant
• Feedstock in HPPO and HPPG processes for producing propylene oxide and propylene glycol.
• Production of foam rubber and organic chemicals.
• Metal treatment to eliminate resistant oxides from metal surfaces.
• Sterilizing cardboard and plastic packaging materials for food contact, typically at 35% concentration, rarely at 25%.

Formulation notes

• Incompatible with reducing agents, organic matter, oxidizable substances, alkalis, iodides, permanganates, and other strong oxidants.
• Decomposition is increased by metallic salts, light, agitation, heat, and metals.
• Sodium percarbonate is preferred for lower wash temperatures in laundry detergents.

Typical specification

• Density of 30% solution at 20 °C is 1.11 g/cm³.
• Melting point of 35% solution is −33 °C.

Regulatory status

• EU index number 008-003-00-9 for aqueous solutions.
• For hydrogen peroxide marketed as an aqueous solution, the supplier must indicate the concentration percentage on the label (note B).

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.