Magnesium peroxide
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| Magnesium peroxide | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name | Magnesium peroxide |
| Other names | Magnesium dioxide, Magnesium bioxide, UN 1476 |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [1335-26-8] |
| EINECS number | |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | MgO2 |
| Molar mass | 56.30 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or off-white powder |
| Melting point |
350 °C (decomp.) |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Corrosive (C) |
| NFPA 704 | |
| R-phrases | R8 |
| S-phrases | S17, S36 |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
|
Magnesium peroxide is a fine powder peroxide with a white to white-off color. It is similar to calcium peroxide because magnesium peroxide also releases oxygen by breaking down at a controlled rate with a hydrous fluid. Besides this it can be used in bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing.
In contact with water it decomposes by the reactions:
- MgO2+ 2 H2O → Mg(OH)2 + H2O2
- 2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2
[edit] Applications
Magnesium peroxide being environmentally benign and its stable oxygen release are used widely in the cosmetic, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries. It is used to reduce contaminant levels in groundwater. Magnesium peroxide is used in the bioremediation of contaminated soil and can improve the soil quality for plant growth and metabolism. It also used in the aquaculture industry for bioremediation.
Commercially, magnesium peroxide exists as a form of compound of magnesium peroxide and magnesium hydroxide.

