Chemical laboratory

Hydrogen Peroxide

Versatile Oxidizing Agent for Industrial Applications

  • CAS 7722-84-1
  • Formula H₂O2

Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
General description Colorless liquid with slightly sharp odor. Density and other physical properties vary significantly with concentration. -
Cas number 7722-84-1 -
Molecular formula H2O2 -
Molecular weight 34.01 g/mol g/mol
Transport classification
  • UN2014
  • UN2984
  • Not regulated for transport

Transport class can vary by concentration and package size.

-
Hazard summary Oxidizer. Hazard level increases with concentration. Solutions below 8% are generally non-hazardous for transport. -
Melting point -0.43 °C °C
Vapor pressure 1.9 mmHg at 30 °C mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Slightly sharp -
Vapor density 1.1 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sharp odor that serves as one of the most versatile oxidizing agents in industrial and commercial applications. With a molecular weight of 34.01 g/mol, this powerful chemical compound finds extensive use across multiple industries due to its strong oxidizing properties and ability to decompose into water and oxygen, leaving no harmful residues.

Key Applications

Hydrogen peroxide excels as a bleaching agent in textile, paper, and pulp industries, providing effective whitening without the environmental concerns associated with chlorine-based alternatives. In water treatment facilities, it serves as both a disinfectant and oxidizing agent, effectively eliminating bacteria, viruses, and organic contaminants while improving water quality. The chemical synthesis industry relies on hydrogen peroxide as a critical oxidizing agent for producing various organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals. Additionally, it functions as an effective sterilizing agent in healthcare and food processing applications, where its ability to eliminate microorganisms without leaving toxic residues makes it invaluable.

Safety & Handling

As an oxidizer, hydrogen peroxide requires careful handling with appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Hazard levels increase significantly with concentration, with solutions above 8% requiring special transport considerations. Ensure adequate ventilation when working with hydrogen peroxide, as it can release oxygen gas upon decomposition. Avoid contact with incompatible materials such as metals, alkalis, and organic compounds that may catalyze rapid decomposition. Always have emergency eyewash stations and safety showers readily available in work areas.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store hydrogen peroxide in original containers made of compatible materials such as high-density polyethylene or specially treated aluminum. Maintain storage temperatures below 30°C to minimize decomposition rates and ensure product stability. Keep containers tightly sealed and away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible chemicals including metals, combustible materials, and reducing agents. Proper storage conditions can maintain product quality for extended periods, though concentration should be verified before use in critical applications.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers reliable Hydrogen Peroxide supply from our Taylor, Texas facility with same-day shipping capabilities. Our comprehensive logistics network includes UPS, LTL, and FTL shipping options to meet your timeline requirements. Every shipment includes detailed Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure compliance and quality assurance for your operations.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and what is it used for?
Hydrogen peroxide (CAS 7722-84-1, formula H2O2) is a clear, colorless aqueous oxidizer used as a reagent and process chemical. It is commonly used in industrial bleaching, chemical synthesis, wastewater treatment, electronics cleaning and as a laboratory oxidant.
How should hydrogen peroxide be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store in a cool, well-ventilated, shaded area away from heat, direct sunlight and incompatible materials; keep containers tightly closed and upright. Shelf life depends on concentration and stabilizers but is typically in the 6–24 month range; refer to the lot COA and SDS for exact expiry and storage conditions.
What safety precautions and PPE are required when handling hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer and can cause severe skin and eye irritation at higher concentrations, so use chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles or face shield, and protective clothing with adequate ventilation. Avoid contamination with organics or metals that catalyze decomposition, follow the SDS for spill response, and dispose of wastes per local regulations.
How do different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (3% to 30%) affect use and hazard?
Lower concentrations (3–6%) are less reactive and easier to handle for routine lab tasks, while higher concentrations (10–30%) are stronger oxidizers used in industrial processes and require more stringent controls. Higher-strength solutions decompose more readily, are more corrosive and more tightly regulated during storage and transport.
What documentation is available for hydrogen peroxide shipments?
We provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Technical Data Sheets (TDS), and lot-specific Certificates of Analysis (COA); additional requested documents may include stability data and transport paperwork. Contact sales to obtain electronic copies tied to your specific batch and concentration.
How is hydrogen peroxide packaged and what shipping regulations apply?
Hydrogen peroxide is supplied in bottles, pails, drums and IBCs (common sizes: 1 L, 5 L, 25 L, 200 L drums and 1000 L IBCs), with custom packaging available for bulk orders. It is classed as a hazardous oxidizing material and must be shipped in accordance with applicable transport regulations (IATA/ICAO, IMDG, ADR, 49 CFR); consult the SDS and your carrier for concentration-specific requirements.
Which materials are compatible with hydrogen peroxide and which should be avoided?
Compatible materials typically include stainless steels (e.g., 316L), PTFE, HDPE and PP, while copper, brass, iron and other catalytic metals should be avoided because they accelerate decomposition. Also avoid organic seals or residues and store in clean, non-contaminating containers.
What are the key technical specifications for your hydrogen peroxide products?
Key specs include CAS 7722-84-1, formula H2O2, clear colorless aqueous solution available at 30%, 25%, 15%, 12%, 10%, 6%, 5% and 3% assay levels; purity, stabilizer type and water content are detailed on the COA. Physical properties vary by concentration (appearance: colorless liquid; approximate density range ~1.01–1.13 g/mL for 3–30% at 20°C); request the TDS for full analytical data.
Which industries and applications commonly use hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is used across pulp & paper, textile processing, electronics manufacturing, chemical synthesis, wastewater treatment, metal finishing and research laboratories. Each sector selects concentration and handling practices tailored to processes such as bleaching, oxidation reactions, surface cleaning and effluent treatment.
How can I purchase hydrogen peroxide and what availability should I expect?
Hydrogen peroxide is sold in both packaged and bulk quantities with standard concentrations listed; availability depends on concentration, package size and current inventory—lead times may apply for large or specialty orders. Contact sales for pricing, minimum order quantities, lead times, custom packaging options and to request SDS/COA prior to shipment.

Documentation & Downloads

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