hüdroperoksiide

Hydroperoxides are a class of chemical compounds that contain the functional group R–OOH, where R is any organic molecule. They are organic compounds that contain the peroxide functional group –O–O–. Hydroperoxides are generally unstable and can be explosive, especially when concentrated. They are important intermediates in many chemical reactions, including the autoxidation of organic compounds. The hydroperoxide functional group consists of an oxygen-oxygen single bond with one of the oxygen atoms attached to a hydrogen atom and the other oxygen atom attached to an organic radical or atom.

The simplest hydroperoxide is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is a common laboratory reagent and disinfectant. Organic hydroperoxides are formed when organic compounds react with oxygen, often catalyzed by light or heat. This process is known as autoxidation. For example, diethyl ether can form diethyl ether hydroperoxide upon exposure to air. Many organic hydroperoxides are used as initiators for polymerization reactions and as oxidizing agents in organic synthesis. Due to their instability, hydroperoxides are often handled with care and stored in dilute solutions or at low temperatures. The decomposition of hydroperoxides can generate free radicals, which can initiate chain reactions. Their reactivity makes them useful in various industrial applications, but also poses safety hazards if not managed properly.