Peroxybenzoate

Peroxybenzoate is a class of organic compounds that contain a benzoate moiety and a peroxide linkage (O−O). The term most often refers to perbenzoic acids, such as perbenzoic acid (Ph-CO-OOH), and their salts or esters. The oxidizing potential arises from the weak O−O bond in the hydroperoxide group.

Common representatives include perbenzoic acid itself and substituted derivatives such as meta-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA). Perbenzoates are prepared by oxidation of benzoic acid derivatives with hydrogen peroxide in acidic medium to form the corresponding peracid; neutralization with bases yields perbenzoate salts such as sodium perbenzoate or potassium perbenzoate.

Applications: Perbenzoates serve as oxidizing agents in organic synthesis. Perbenzoic acids, especially m-CPBA, are widely used for epoxidation of alkenes, sulfoxidation, and Baeyer-Villiger oxidations of ketones to esters. Perbenzoate salts are used as initiators or oxidants in polymer chemistry and in some bleaching formulations for textiles.

Safety: They are generally strong oxidizers and can be shock-sensitive or exothermically decompose, releasing oxygen. They should be handled away from reducing agents, flammable materials, and heat. Storage typically requires cool, dry conditions and appropriate packaging.

See also: perbenzoic acid; m-CPBA; organic peroxides.