Magnesium peroxide

Chemical properties

Magnesium peroxide is a white, odorless crystalline solid.

Physical properties

Magnesium peroxide is a fine powder with a white to off-white color. It is similar to calcium peroxide because magnesium peroxide also releases oxygen by breaking down at a controlled rate when in contact with a hydrous fluid. It is used in bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing. In contact with water, it decomposes by the reactions: MgO2＋ 2H2O0Mg(OH)2＋H2O2 2H2O202H2O＋ O2

The Uses of Magnesium peroxide

Magnesium peroxide is used for enhanced aerobic bioremediation.Because of its stable oxygen release rate and environmentally benign character, magnesium peroxide is widely used in agricultural, environmental, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Magnesium peroxide is primarily used as the main oxygen source for in situ bioremediation. It was the first inorganic peroxide to be used for this purpose.
The addition of oxygen releasing compounds to groundwater can be an effective treatment technology capable of reducing the levels of contaminants in groundwater. Magnesium peroxide is applied to aid in the remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons and other similar contaminants found in groundwater. Magnesium peroxide is very effective for the bioremediation of contaminated soils and improvement of soil quality for plant growth and metabolism. Magnesium peroxide has also been used to “dehair” cattle hides prior to conversion to “cowhide” leather.
Additionally, magnesium peroxide has been developed into a form suitable for use as an antibacterial agent for cotton and cotton-blend fabrics. Development of environmentally benign antibacterial agents for application to textiles and other materials is necessary and desirable because many of the older, effective antibacterial agents have been or are in the process of being removed from commercial use.

Definition

A whitesolid, MgO₂. It decomposes at 100°Cto release oxygen and also releasesoxygen on reaction with water:
2MgO₂(s) + 2H₂O → 2Mg(OH)₂ + O₂
The compound is prepared by reactingsodium peroxide with magnesiumsulphate solution and is used asa bleach for cotton and silk.

Potential Exposure

Magnesium peroxide is used as a bleaching and oxidizing agent, and in the manufacture of antacids and antiinfective drugs.

Shipping

UN1476 Magnesium peroxide, Hazard Class: 5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer.

Incompatibilities

Powerful oxidizer. Dangerous fire risk with flammable and combustible materials. Violent reaction with acids. Keep away from moisture; causes the release of oxygen and heat.