Peroksidisidos

Peroksidisidos, also known as a peroxide bond or an oxygen-oxygen single bond, is a covalent chemical bond between two oxygen atoms. It has the general formula R–O–O–R′, where R and R′ can be hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, or aryl groups. The oxygen-oxygen bond is relatively weak, with a bond dissociation energy of about 146 kJ/mol. This weakness makes peroxides highly reactive and prone to decomposition, often releasing oxygen.

Peroxides are found in various contexts, both natural and synthetic. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a common example, used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and bleaching agent. Organic peroxides, where the R or R′ groups are organic, are widely employed as initiators in polymerization reactions, such as the production of plastics like polyethylene and polystyrene. They are also used as curing agents for resins and as bleaching agents in hair care products.

The reactivity of the peroksidisidos stems from the low bond energy and the presence of the two electronegative oxygen atoms. This allows them to readily participate in radical reactions, where the O–O bond breaks homolytically to form two highly reactive oxygen-centered radicals. These radicals can then initiate chain reactions, which are fundamental to many chemical processes. Due to their reactivity, peroxides must be handled with care, as they can be explosive or flammable under certain conditions, especially in concentrated forms or when mixed with incompatible materials.