peroksosyre

Peroksosyre, or peroxy acid, is a class of organic compounds containing a hydroperoxy substituent attached to a carbonyl group, typically represented by the general structure R–CO–O–O–H. The core functional group is the peroxy linkage O–O adjacent to a carbonyl, giving high oxidizing potential compared with the parent carboxylic acid.

Preparation and occurrence: Peroxyacids are commonly prepared in situ by reacting a carboxylic acid (R–CO2H) with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of an acid catalyst, producing R–CO–OOH and water. Several well-known peroxyacids are used in synthesis, including peracetic acid (CH3COOOH) derived from acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, and m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA). Some peroxyacids are employed as neat reagents, while others are used as solutions or stabilized formulations.

Reactivity and applications: Peroxyacids act as electrophilic oxygen donors and are versatile oxidizing agents in organic chemistry. They enable Baeyer–Villiger oxidations, converting ketones to esters or lactones, and they are widely used for epoxidation of alkenes (for example, epoxidation with m-CPBA). They can also participate in sulfur and nitrogen oxidations and other oxidation processes. Because their reactivity depends on the specific R group, different peroxyacids vary in strength and selectivity.

Safety and handling: Peroxyacids are strong oxidizers and can be unstable, sometimes decomposing exothermically or explosively under heat, shock, or friction. They should be prepared or handled at low temperatures, stored in appropriate conditions (often diluted or stabilized), and managed with proper protective equipment and ventilation. Care is taken to avoid contamination and to control the rate of generation when prepared in situ.

See also: Epoxidation, Baeyer–Villiger oxidation, peracids in organic synthesis.