Potassium peroxide (K2O2) is a compound made up of potassium and oxygen. It is often used as a strong oxidizing agent in industries and laboratories to aid in various chemical reactions.
| IUPAC Name | Potassium peroxyoxidanide |
| Molecular Formula | K2O2 |
| CAS Number | 17014-71-0 |
| Synonyms | Potassium superoxide; Dipotassium dioxide; Potassium dioxide; Perpotassium oxide |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2K.O2/c;;1-2/q2*+1;-2 |
Potassium Peroxide Properties
Potassium Peroxide Formula
The chemical formula of potassium peroxide is K2O2. This formula represents the number and type of atoms present in the molecule. The formula is important in identifying the substance and understanding its chemical properties.
Potassium Peroxide Molar Mass
The molar mass of K2O2 is 110.2 g/mol. This means that one mole of K2O2 weighs 110.2 grams. The molar mass is an important property of a substance as it allows for the calculation of the amount of a substance present in a given mass or volume.
Potassium Peroxide Boiling Point
K2O2 does not have a specific boiling point, as it decomposes before reaching its boiling point. At high temperatures, K2O2 breaks down into potassium oxide and oxygen gas. Therefore, it is not typically used in high-temperature applications.
Potassium Peroxide Melting Point
The melting point of K2O2 is 655 °C. This high melting point makes it a suitable oxidizing agent in high-temperature reactions. However, it is important to note that it can decompose before reaching its melting point if it is exposed to high temperatures or moisture.
Potassium Peroxide Density g/mL
The density of K2O2 is 2.08 g/mL. This high density makes it a dense solid that sinks in water. The density of K2O2 is also important in determining its solubility in various solvents.
Potassium Peroxide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of K2O2 is 110.2 g/mol. This value is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms present in the molecule. Molecular weight is an important property that is used to calculate various properties of the substance, including its molar mass and density.
Potassium Peroxide Structure
The structure of K2O2 is made up of one K+ cation and one O2^2- anion. The O2^2- anion consists of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded together. The structure of K2O2 is essential in understanding its chemical properties and reactivity.
| Appearance | White to pale yellow solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.08 |
| Color | White to pale yellow |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 110.2 g/mol |
| Density | 2.08 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 655 °C |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Reacts with water |
| Solubility | Insoluble in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Not applicable |
Potassium Peroxide Safety and Hazards
K2O2 poses several safety hazards due to its strong oxidizing properties. It can react vigorously with water or moisture, releasing oxygen gas and generating heat. This reaction can potentially lead to fire or explosion if not handled properly. Additionally, it can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact, and inhalation of its dust can cause respiratory problems. It is important to handle K2O2 with care, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and storing it in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and incompatible materials. In case of accidental exposure, seek medical attention immediately.
| Hazard Symbols | Oxidizing agent |
| Safety Description | Do not expose to water. Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and incompatible materials. |
| UN IDs | UN1504 |
| HS Code | 2829.90.90 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | May cause skin and eye irritation. Inhalation of dust may cause respiratory problems. |
Potassium Peroxide Synthesis Methods
Several methods exist to synthesize K2O2, including reacting potassium hydroxide with hydrogen peroxide, reacting potassium hydroxide with barium peroxide, and thermally decomposing potassium superoxide.
The first method involves adding potassium hydroxide slowly to a solution of hydrogen peroxide while stirring until it forms a white precipitate of K2O2. The process involves filtering the mixture and washing the solid with cold water to remove impurities.
In the second method, stir a suspension of barium peroxide while adding a solution of potassium hydroxide. Filter the mixture and evaporate the filtrate to dryness. Then heat the resulting solid at a high temperature to decompose any remaining barium peroxide and form K2O2.
The third method involves heating potassium superoxide to a high temperature, causing it to decompose into K2O2 and oxygen gas.
Potassium Peroxide Uses
K2O2 has several uses in various industries due to its oxidizing properties. Some of its uses include:
- Bleaching agent: Used as a bleaching agent for textiles and paper products, as well as for hair and teeth whitening products.
- Oxygen source: Used as an oxygen source in closed systems, such as in submarines, where it can release oxygen when mixed with water.
- Polymerization: Used in the polymerization of certain monomers to produce polymers, such as in the synthesis of polystyrene.
- Soil remediation: Used for soil remediation to remove organic contaminants, such as oil spills.
- Analytical chemistry: Used in analytical chemistry as an oxidizing agent to determine the presence of certain compounds.
- Rocket fuel: Used as an oxidizer in rocket fuel due to its ability to release oxygen.
- Chemical synthesis: Used in the synthesis of various organic and inorganic compounds, such as the synthesis of potassium permanganate.
Questions:
Q: What is better, hydrogen peroxide or potassium hydroxide?
A: It depends on the intended use. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent and is commonly used as a disinfectant, bleach, and hair and teeth whitener. Potassium hydroxide, on the other hand, is a strong base and is commonly used in the production of soaps and detergents, as well as in the production of biodiesel from vegetable oils.
Q: What are the chemical formulas for potassium superoxide, potassium peroxide, and potassium oxide?
A: The chemical formulas are K2O2 for potassium superoxide, K2O2 for potassium peroxide, and K2O for potassium oxide.
Q: What forms when hydrogen peroxide reacts with potassium iodide and iodate forms?
A: When hydrogen peroxide reacts with potassium iodide and iodate, iodine is produced according to the following reaction: H2O2 + KI + KIO3 → I2 + K2O + H2O.
Q: What is the oxidation number of the oxygen atom in K2O2?
A: The oxidation number of the oxygen atom in K2O2 is -1.
Q: What is the oxidation number of K in K2O2?
A: The oxidation number of K in K2O2 is +1.