Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical compound with the structural formula (C 6H 5−C(=O)O−) 2, often abbreviated as (BzO)2. It is a powerful acne treatment. It kills bacteria, unclogs pores, and reduces inflammation.
| IUPAC Name | Benzoyl peroxide |
| Molecular Formula | C14H10O4 |
| CAS Number | 94-36-0 |
| Synonyms | Dibenzoyl peroxide, BP, BPO, Benzoyl superoxide |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C14H10O4/c15-13(17)11-7-3-1-5-9(11)10-6-2-4-8-12(10)14(16)18/h1-8H,(H,15,17)(H,16,18) |
Benzoyl Peroxide Properties
Benzoyl Peroxide Formula
The formula of dibenzoyl peroxide is C14H10O4. It consists of 14 carbon atoms, 10 hydrogen atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms. This chemical formula represents the specific arrangement of atoms in a dibenzoyl peroxide molecule.
Benzoyl Peroxide Molar Mass
The molar mass of dibenzoyl peroxide is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of its constituent elements. With a formula weight of C14H10O4, the molar mass of dibenzoyl peroxide is approximately 242.23 grams per mole. This value is crucial for various calculations involving the quantity of dibenzoyl peroxide in a given sample.
Benzoyl Peroxide Boiling Point
Dibenzoyl peroxide has a boiling point of approximately 103-105 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, dibenzoyl peroxide undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a gas. The boiling point is an important property as it determines the temperature at which dibenzoyl peroxide transitions into a vapor state.
Benzoyl Peroxide Melting Point
The melting point of dibenzoyl peroxide is around 103-105 degrees Celsius. This temperature represents the point at which dibenzoyl peroxide transforms from a solid to a liquid state. The melting point is significant as it provides insight into the stability and behavior of dibenzoyl peroxide under different conditions.
Benzoyl Peroxide Density g/mL
Dibenzoyl peroxide has a density of approximately 1.33 grams per milliliter (g/mL). This density value indicates the mass of dibenzoyl peroxide present in one milliliter of its solution. Density is an important parameter for determining the concentration and formulation of dibenzoyl peroxide in various applications.
Benzoyl Peroxide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of dibenzoyl peroxide is approximately 242.23 grams per mole. This value represents the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in a single molecule of dibenzoyl peroxide. Molecular weight plays a crucial role in understanding the chemical and physical properties of dibenzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl Peroxide Structure
Dibenzoyl peroxide has a structure consisting of two benzoyl groups (-C6H5CO-) linked by an oxygen bridge (-O-). The benzoyl group is a benzene ring with a carbonyl group attached. This structure imparts unique properties to dibenzoyl peroxide, making it effective in acne treatment and polymer synthesis.
Benzoyl Peroxide Solubility
Dibenzoyl peroxide is sparingly soluble in water. However, it dissolves readily in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, and acetone. The solubility of dibenzoyl peroxide in various substances affects its applications and the ease of its formulation in different products.
| Property | Value |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Specific Gravity | 1.33 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 242.23 g/mol |
| Density | 1.33 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 103-105 °C |
| Boiling Point | 103-105 °C |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Sparingly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, and acetone |
| Vapor Pressure | Not available |
| Vapor Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not available |
| pH | Not available |
Benzoyl Peroxide Safety and Hazards
Dibenzoyl peroxide should be handled with care due to its potential safety hazards. It may cause skin and eye irritation, so it’s important to avoid direct contact. Ingestion or inhalation can lead to gastrointestinal and respiratory tract irritation. It is flammable, so it should be stored away from open flames and heat sources. Use in a well-ventilated area to minimize the risk of inhalation. It may bleach fabrics and hair, so precautions should be taken during application. It is essential to follow safety guidelines, wear protective equipment, and keep it out of reach of children to ensure safe handling and minimize potential risks.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive, Irritant, Health Hazard |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Use in a well-ventilated area. Follow safety guidelines and wear protective equipment. Store securely and out of reach of children. |
| UN IDs | UN 3108 |
| HS Code | 2916.32.00 |
| Hazard Class | 5.2 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | May cause skin and eye irritation. Can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory tract irritation. Use with caution and handle carefully. |
Benzoyl Peroxide Synthesis Methods
Various methods synthesize dibenzoyl peroxide.
One common approach involves the reaction between benzoic acid and hydrogen peroxide. To carry out this method, one combines benzoic acid with a solution of hydrogen peroxide under controlled conditions, such as maintaining specific temperature and pH levels. The reaction yields dibenzoyl peroxide as a product.
Another method involves the reaction between benzoyl chloride and hydrogen peroxide. This reaction takes place in the presence of a catalyst, such as iron(III) chloride or aluminum chloride. The benzoyl chloride and hydrogen peroxide react to form dibenzoyl peroxide.
To obtain dibenzoyl peroxide, one can treat benzoyl chloride with sodium peroxide. The reaction occurs in an organic solvent, and the resulting product is dibenzoyl peroxide.
Additionally, one can prepare dibenzoyl peroxide by oxidatively cleaving benzoin using hydrogen peroxide. One carries out the reaction in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as iron(III) chloride or sodium hydroxide.
By utilizing these synthesis methods, one can produce dibenzoyl peroxide, which finds wide application in various fields. People extensively use it as an acne treatment, a polymerization initiator, and a bleaching agent. It is important to follow proper safety precautions and handle these synthesis methods with care due to the reactivity of the involved chemicals.
Benzoyl Peroxide Uses
Dibenzoyl peroxide finds multiple uses due to its beneficial properties. Here are some common applications:
- Acne treatment: Dibenzoyl peroxide widely treats acne by killing acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and unclogging pores, thus promoting clearer skin.
- Polymerization initiator: It powerfully initiates polymerization reactions, triggering the formation of polymers and facilitating the crosslinking and curing of resins, adhesives, and coatings.
- Hair and teeth whitening: Dibenzoyl peroxide acts as a bleaching agent incorporated into hair and teeth whitening products, lightening hair color and removing surface stains from teeth to enhance their appearance.
- Antiseptic and disinfectant: Its antimicrobial properties make dibenzoyl peroxide a common ingredient in topical antiseptic formulations and wound care products, effectively serving as an antiseptic and disinfectant.
- Oxidizing agent: Dibenzoyl peroxide functions as an oxidizing agent in chemical reactions, enabling the synthesis of various organic compounds and catalyzing oxidation processes.
- Dough conditioner: In the baking industry, dibenzoyl peroxide acts as a dough conditioner, improving the volume, texture, and elasticity of dough, resulting in enhanced bakery products.
- Aquaculture: Dibenzoyl peroxide effectively treats external parasites and fungal infections in fish and crustaceans, making it a valuable treatment in aquaculture.
- Veterinary applications: It treats skin conditions in animals and disinfects veterinary equipment, finding application in veterinary medicine.
Dibenzoyl peroxide’s diverse uses make it a valuable compound in various industries, from skincare to manufacturing processes.
Questions:
Q: How to use benzoyl peroxide gel?
A: Apply a thin layer of dibenzoyl peroxide gel to the affected areas of the skin, following the instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
Q: What is benzoyl peroxide?
A: Dibenzoyl peroxide is a chemical compound commonly used in skincare products to treat acne due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: How to use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel?
A: Apply a small amount of adapalene and dibenzoyl peroxide gel to clean, dry skin once daily, following the directions provided by your healthcare professional.
Q: Can I use benzoyl peroxide with isotretinoin?
A: It is generally recommended to avoid combining dibenzoyl peroxide with isotretinoin, as it may cause excessive skin dryness and irritation. Consult your healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Q: Is benzoyl peroxide good for skin?
A: Dibenzoyl peroxide can be beneficial for the skin as it helps to kill acne-causing bacteria, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation, making it an effective treatment for acne.
Q: How does benzoyl peroxide work?
A: Dibenzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen into the skin, which kills the bacteria that contribute to acne and helps to exfoliate the pores, reducing blockages and promoting clearer skin.
Q: What does benzoyl peroxide do?
A: Dibenzoyl peroxide treats acne by killing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and unclogging pores, which leads to clearer skin and a reduction in acne breakouts.
Q: How to use benzoyl peroxide?
A: Apply a thin layer of dibenzoyl peroxide to clean, dry skin once or twice daily, following the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the product label.
Q: Is benzoyl peroxide bad?
A: Dibenzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, redness, and irritation in some individuals. It is important to start with a low concentration and monitor your skin’s reaction. Consult your healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Q: How to use Acnecide 5% gel benzoyl peroxide 30g?
A: Apply a thin layer of Acnecide 5% gel dibenzoyl peroxide to the affected areas of the skin once or twice daily, following the instructions provided by the product packaging or your healthcare professional.
Q: Can you put benzoyl peroxide on a mosquito bite?
A: Dibenzoyl peroxide is not typically recommended for mosquito bites. It is more suitable for treating acne. Consult your healthcare professional for appropriate treatments for insect bites.
Q: Can you use vitamin C serum and benzoyl peroxide together?
A: It is generally recommended to avoid combining vitamin C serum and dibenzoyl peroxide, as they may interact and reduce each other’s effectiveness. Consult your healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Q: Can you use azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin together?
A: Azelaic acid and dibenzoyl peroxide/clindamycin can be used together, but it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional for proper guidance on how to incorporate them into your skincare routine.