What is a peroxide linkage?

1 Answer
anor277
Jan 2, 2016

A peroxide linkage is simply a #O-O# bond.

Explanation:

Hydrogen peroxide is simply #H-O-O-H#, #H_2O_2#.

The oxygen-oxygen bond is quite weak, and the bond can homolyze as shown:

#H_2O_2 rarr 2HO*#

Given our definition of oxidation numbers, the oxidation number of #O# in peroxide is necessarily #-I#.

The hydroxyl radical #HO*# is neutral and is very reactive.

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