peroxizi
Peroxizi are a class of chemical compounds containing the peroxide functional group, which consists of a single oxygen-oxygen covalent bond. This O-O bond is relatively weak and readily breaks, making peroxides strong oxidizing agents. The most common and simplest peroxide is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is a colorless liquid widely used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. Organic peroxides, containing the C-O-O-C linkage, are often unstable and can be explosive, finding applications as initiators in polymerization reactions and as curing agents for resins. Inorganic peroxides, such as sodium peroxide (Na2O2), are also powerful oxidizers and can react vigorously with water. The peroxide group's reactivity stems from the electronegativity of oxygen and the weak O-O bond, which easily liberates reactive oxygen species. Due to their oxidizing potential, peroxides must be handled with care, as they can cause burns and are often incompatible with flammable materials. Their instability requires careful storage and handling to prevent accidental decomposition, which can release heat and gases.