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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