ORGANIC PEROXIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Organic peroxide refers to a type of chemical compound containing a peroxide group (O-O) in its molecular structure. It is an organic (carbon-containing) compound that consists of two oxygen atoms joined by a single covalent bond. This makes organic peroxides highly reactive and potentially unstable.
Organic peroxides are commonly used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, cosmetics, and agriculture, for their diverse applications. They can act as initiators or catalysts in chemical reactions, such as polymerization, oxygenation, and oxidation reactions. Additionally, they play a crucial role in the formulation of detergents, epoxy resins, adhesives, and bleaching agents.
However, their reactivity poses a safety concern since they are susceptible to decomposition, resulting in the release of oxygen and other reactive byproducts which can lead to fire or explosion hazards. Therefore, proper handling, storage, and transportation of organic peroxides are crucial to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure workplace safety. They are typically stored in cool and well-ventilated areas to limit decomposition and prevent the accumulation of hazardous materials.
Overall, organic peroxides are an important class of compounds with significant industrial applications, but their reactive nature necessitates proper precautions to ensure safe utilization in various industries.
Etymology of ORGANIC PEROXIDE
The word "organic peroxide" is derived from the combination of two terms: "organic" and "peroxide".
1. Organic: The term "organic" originates from the Greek word "organikos", meaning "relating to an organ or organization". In the context of chemistry, it initially referred to substances that were derived from living organisms or had carbon atoms as their principal component. Over time, the definition has broadened, and now "organic" refers to compounds that contain carbon, excluding some carbon-based compounds like carbonates, cyanides, carbides, etc.
2. Peroxide: The term "peroxide" has its roots in the words "per-" (meaning "extra" or "beyond") and "oxide" (referring to a compound containing oxygen). Peroxides are chemical compounds that contain an -O-O- linkage, where the two oxygen atoms share a single bond.
