Hydrogen Peroxide

A colourless, viscous, unstable liquid compound of hydrogen and water with oxidising and reducing properties. Used for bleaching wool, silk, linens, furs and hair products since the 19th century. During the Second World War hydrogen peroxide was used as a propellant in V1 rockets and was subsequently also used as a propellant for submarines. Hydrogen peroxide is also used as a preservative and disinfectant and is used by archaeologists to dissolve clay from finds.

Symbol

H₂O₂

Discovered

In 1818 Louis-Jacques Thénard discovered hydrogen peroxide by accident.