Hydrogen peroxide

Manufacture

Hydrogen peroxide is manufactured today almost exclusively by the autoxidation of 2-ethyl-9,10-dihydroxyanthracene to 2-ethylanthraquinone and hydrogen peroxide using oxygen from the air. The anthraquinone derivative is then extracted out and reduced back to the dihydroxy compound using hydrogengas in the presence of a metal catalyst. The overall equation for the process is deceptively simple:

Related Topics:
Anthraquinone - Extracted - Hydrogen - Catalyst

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H2 + O2 → H2O2

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However the economics of the process depend on effective recycling of the quinone and extraction solvents, and of the hydrogenation catalyst.

Related Topics:
Hydrogenation - Catalyst

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Formerly inorganic processes were used, employing the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid or acidic ammonium bisulfate (NH4HSO4), followed by hydrolysis of the peroxydisulfate ((SO4)2)2− which is formed.

Related Topics:
Electrolysis - Sulfuric acid - Acidic ammonium bisulfate - Hydrolysis

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In 1994, world production of H2O2 was around 1.9 million tonnes, most of which was at a concentration of 70% or less. In that year bulk 30% H2O2 sold for around $0.54 per kg, equivalent to $1.50 per kg (68c per lb) on a "100% basis".

Related Topics:
Tonne - Kg - Lb

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