Sodium Peroxide Ph

Sodium peroxide (Na2O2) is an inorganic compound composed of sodium cations (Na+) and peroxide anions (O22-). It is a white or yellowish powder that is highly reactive and can ignite spontaneously upon contact with water.

In its solid state, sodium peroxide has a crystal structure that belongs to the orthorhombic space group Pnma. The unit cell contains four formula units, each composed of two sodium ions and two peroxide ions. The peroxide ions have a bent molecular geometry, with an O-O bond length of 1.49 Å and O-O-O bond angle of approximately 110°.

Sodium peroxide is soluble in polar solvents such as water and ammonia, and reacts violently with organic compounds, metals, and reducing agents. Its main applications include the synthesis of organic peroxides and the preparation of oxygen gas through thermal decomposition:

2 Na2O2 → 2 Na2O + O2

Sodium peroxide is also used as a desiccant and bleaching agent, as well as in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. However, its strong oxidizing properties make it hazardous to handle and store, requiring proper safety precautions.