A peroxide is a compound containing the peroxide ion (O22-), characterized by the presence of an oxygen-oxygen single bond. Peroxides are highly reactive and often serve as oxidizing or bleaching agents.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the most common and well-known peroxide, used as a disinfectant, bleaching agent, and oxidizer in various industrial and household applications.
Organic peroxides, such as benzoyl peroxide, are also important in chemistry and are commonly used in polymerization reactions and as initiators for radical reactions.
