Zinc peroxide (ZnO2) is a chemical compound of zinc that appears as a bright yellow powder at room temperature. It was historically used as a surgical antiseptic. More recently zinc peroxide has also been used as an oxidant in explosives and pyrotechnic mixtures. Its properties have been described as a transition between ionic and covalent peroxides.

Preparation and structure

Structure of solid zinc peroxide

Zinc peroxide can be synthesized through the reaction of zinc chloride and hydrogen peroxide.

According to X-ray crystallography, the compound consists of octahedral Zn(II) centers bonded to six distinct peroxide (O22-) ligands. The overall motif is very similar to that for iron pyrite (FeS2). The structure, with intact O-O bonds, makes clear that this material is a peroxide, not a dioxide.

Medical Use

The treatment of burrowing ulcers in the abdominal wall with zinc peroxide was first recorded in 1933 and throughout the 1940s ZnO2 was used as a disinfectant in surgical . Zinc peroxide was, however, deemed ineffective against certain bacterial strains, such as Streptococcus viridans, staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, B. proteus, and B. pyocyoneus.

Safety

Zinc peroxide is hazardous in case of skin contact, of eye contact, or inhalation.