Perhydroxide

Perhydroxide is a term that has been used to refer to compounds containing the peroxide ion, O₂²⁻. This ion consists of two oxygen atoms linked by a single bond, with each oxygen atom carrying a formal charge of -1. While not a formal chemical name recognized by IUPAC, it has appeared in older literature and in some informal contexts to describe substances where the peroxide group is a prominent feature.

The most common and well-known perhydroxide compound is hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂. In hydrogen peroxide, the peroxide ion is bonded to two hydrogen atoms. Other perhydroxides include metal peroxides such as sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂) and barium peroxide (BaO₂). These compounds are characterized by their oxidizing properties.

The perhydroxide ion is a strong oxidizing agent and can react vigorously with reducing agents. This reactivity is responsible for many of their applications, including bleaching, disinfection, and as oxidizers in rocket propellants. Due to their instability and reactivity, perhydroxide compounds require careful handling and storage. The term itself is largely superseded by more specific chemical nomenclature, such as "peroxide" or the full chemical name of the compound.