peroksyhapon

Peroxyhapon is the Polish term for peroxy acid. Peroxy acids are a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group where the hydroxyl hydrogen atom has been replaced by an OOH group. The general formula for a peroxy acid is R-C(=O)OOH. The oxygen-oxygen single bond in the peroxy group is relatively weak and is responsible for their characteristic reactivity, particularly their strong oxidizing properties.

The simplest peroxy acid is peroxyformic acid (HCOOOH), derived from formic acid. Another common example is peroxyacetic acid (CH3COOOH), which is widely used as a disinfectant and sterilant. Other peroxy acids include peroxybenzoic acid and various peroxy fatty acids.

Peroxy acids are typically synthesized by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with hydrogen peroxide, often in the presence of a strong acid catalyst. They are potent oxidizing agents and can react with a variety of functional groups, including alkenes, alkynes, sulfides, and amines. Their oxidizing power makes them useful in organic synthesis for epoxidation of alkenes (forming epoxides), hydroxylation, and oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides or sulfones.

Due to their reactivity and oxidizing nature, peroxy acids can be corrosive and are often handled with care. They are employed in various industrial applications, including chemical synthesis, sterilization of medical equipment, and as bleaching agents. In biological systems, some peroxy acids, like peroxyacetic acid, are naturally produced and play roles in cellular processes, though their concentration is usually tightly regulated.