Peroxide facts for kids

Peroxide is a special group of atoms that are found in many chemical compounds. It's like a building block in chemistry. The main part of peroxide is an ion (a charged atom or group of atoms) made of two oxygen atoms linked together, with a charge of 2- (meaning it has two extra electrons). Its chemical formula is O₂^2-.

Peroxide can act in two main ways in chemical reactions: it can be an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent. Most often, it acts as an oxidizing agent. This means it can take electrons from other substances. When it does this, it can change into oxide (like in rust). Peroxide can also give away electrons, which means it gets oxidized itself, turning into regular oxygen gas.

The most well-known peroxide is Hydrogen peroxide. You might have seen it used to clean small cuts or to bleach hair. Another example is Barium peroxide.

Types of Peroxides

Besides the simple peroxide ion, there are also organic peroxides. These are special chemical compounds where the peroxide group is connected to an organic molecule. Organic molecules are usually found in living things or things that were once alive, like plastics or fuels. Some organic peroxides can be quite reactive.

How Peroxide Is Used

Peroxide is mainly used as an oxidant and as a bleaching agent. An oxidant helps other chemicals change by reacting with them. As a bleaching agent, peroxide helps remove color.

One common use you might know is in hair products. Bleach made from hydrogen peroxide is used to make hair lighter. It can change dark hair to orange, blonde, or even white. Many people with dark hair use it to create highlights, and it's a key ingredient in most hair dyes.

Images for kids

• 

  Types of peroxides, from top to bottom: peroxide ion, organic peroxide, organic hydroperoxide, peracid. The peroxide group is marked in blue. R, R1 and R2 mark hydrocarbon moieties.