Potassium peroxide

Potassium peroxide is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula K₂O₂. It is formed as potassium reacts with oxygen in the air, along with potassium oxide (K₂O) and potassium superoxide (KO₂).

Crystal structure

Potassium peroxide

Names
IUPAC name Potassium peroxide
Identifiers
CAS Number	17014-71-0 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	26237 N
ECHA InfoCard	100.037.339
EC Number	241-089-8
PubChem CID	28202
UNII	ZHB4ZOE9PU Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID2066143
InChI InChI=1S/2K.O2/c;;1-2/q2*+1;-2 N Key: XXQBEVHPUKOQEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N N InChI=1/2K.O2/c;;1-2/q2*+1;-2 Key: XXQBEVHPUKOQEO-UHFFFAOYAV
SMILES [O-][O-].[K+].[K+]
Properties
Chemical formula	K2O2
Molar mass	110.196 g/mol
Appearance	yellow amorphous solid
Melting point	490 °C (914 °F; 763 K)
Solubility in water	reacts with water[1]
Structure
Crystal structure	Orthorhombic
Space group	Cmca, oS16
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298)	113 J·mol−1·K−1[2]
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298)	−496 kJ·mol−1[2]
Hazards
GHS labelling:
Pictograms
Signal word	Danger
Hazard statements	H272, H315, H319
Precautionary statements	P210, P220, P221, P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P321, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P370+P378, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)	3 0 2 W OX
Related compounds
Other anions	Potassium chloride
Other cations	Lithium peroxide Sodium peroxide Rubidium peroxide Caesium peroxide
Related potassium oxides	Potassium oxide Potassium superoxide Potassium ozonide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). N verify (what is YN ?) Infobox references

Potassium peroxide reacts with water to form potassium hydroxide and oxygen:

2 K₂O₂ + 2 H₂O → 4 KOH + O₂ ↑

Properties

Potassium peroxide is a highly reactive, oxidizing white to yellowish solid which, while not flammable itself, reacts violently with flammable materials. It decomposes violently on contact with water.^[1]

The standard enthalpy of formation of potassium peroxide is ΔH f 0 = −496 kJ/mol.

Usage

Potassium peroxide is used as an oxidizing agent and bleach (due to the peroxide), and to purify air.