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Sodium Peroxide Formula

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Introduction to Sodium Peroxide

Sodium peroxide formula is also referred to as either the Disodium dioxide formula or Solozone formula. The octahydrate can be generated by the treatment of hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide together. The chemical formula or molecular formula of Sodium peroxide is given as Na2O2.


About Disodium Dioxide

Disodium dioxide is given as a granular solid, which is yellow-white to yellow in colour. When this compound is mixed with any combustible material, it ignites readily by heat, contact with moisture, or friction. When exposed to heat for a longer time, it undergoes vigorous decomposition. Disodium dioxide can be prepared by reacting metallic sodium with oxygen on a larger scale at a temperature ranging from 130 to 200 °C. Na2O2 compound name is given as Sodium Peroxide.


Sodium Peroxide Formula Structure

The peroxide symbol is Na2O2. The structural formula of sodium peroxide or the Na2O2 structure is given as follows:


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Properties

The sodium peroxide compound crystallizes with hexagonal symmetry. At 512 degrees Celsius, the hexagonal shape experiences a phase of transition into an unknown symmetry. The combination decomposes to Na2O by releasing O2 when heated above the boiling point of 657 °C.

2 Na2O2 → 2 Na2O + O2


Preparation

The octahydrate can be produced by treating sodium hydroxide with hydrogen peroxide.

Sodium peroxide is prepared on a large scale by the reaction of metallic sodium with oxygen at a temperature ranging from 130–200 °C. It is a process that generates sodium oxide, which is a separate stage that absorbs oxygen:

2 Na2O + O2 → 2 Na2O2

4 Na + O2 → 2 Na2O

It can also be produced by passing ozone gas over solid sodium iodide inside either a palladium or platinum tube. The ozone will oxidize the sodium to produce sodium peroxide. The iodine may be sublimed by mild heating. The palladium or platinum catalyzes the reaction, and it is not attacked by sodium peroxide.


Uses

Sodium peroxide hydrolyzes to form hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide as per the reaction:

Na2O2 + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2O2

Sodium peroxide was used to bleach wood pulp for textile and paper production. Now, it is primarily used for specialized laboratory operations. For example, the extraction of minerals from multiple ores. Sodium peroxide can go by the commercial names of Flocool and Solozone. Sodium peroxide can be used as an oxidizing agent in chemistry preparations. Also, it is used as an oxygen source by reacting with carbon dioxide to form sodium carbonate and oxygen:

2Na2O2 + 2CO2 → 2Na2CO3 + O2

Thus, it is specifically useful in submarines, scuba gear, and so on. Lithium peroxide has its uses.

FAQs on Sodium Peroxide Formula

1. What is Sodium Peroxide?

Answer: Sodium peroxide, or Na2O2, is an inorganic compound with the formula Na2O2. This yellowish solid is created when sodium is burned in an environment with too much oxygen. It is also a strong base. This metal peroxide exists in many peroxyhydrates and hydrates, including Na2O2·2H2O, Na2O2·2H2O2, Na2O2·2H2O2·4H2O, and Na2O2·8H2O. The octahydrate, which is very simple to prepare, is the white compound, in contrast to the anhydrous material.

2. What Happens When the Sodium Peroxide Gets Dissolved in Water?

Answer: In contact with water, sodium peroxide can be hydrolyzed to give hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide.

Whereas sodium peroxide can be used to bleach wood pulp for textile, paper production.

3. Differentiate Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Hydroxide?

Answer: Hydrogen peroxide is defined as an oxidizing agent. 3% of this solution is used as a topical antiseptic; higher concentrations of around 12% are used to lighten the hair.


Sodium hydroxide is alkaline (or basic). It can be used in chemical hair relaxers at a concentration below 2%. At the same time, higher concentrations can be used in several chemical depilatories. Higher concentrations are used in the commercial drain cleaner Drano.