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Benzoyl peroxide

Properties

General
Name	Benzoyl peroxide
Diagram	N/A
Chemical formula	C14H10O4
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Physical
Formula weight	N/A amu
Melting point	N/A
Boiling point	N/A
Critical temperature	N/A
Critical pressure	N/A
Density	N/A
Thermochemistry
ΔfH0gas	N/A
ΔfH0liquid	N/A
ΔfH0solid	N/A
S0gas, 1 bar	N/A
S0liquid, 1 bar	N/A
S0solid	N/A
Safety
Ingestion	May cause serious injury or death.
Inhalation	May cause serious injury or death.
Skin	In low concentration may cause redness, peeling, and increase vulnerability to sunburn. In high concentration may cause serious burns.
Eyes	Blindness.
SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used. Disclaimer and references </font>

Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical in the peroxide family. It consists of two benzoyl groups (benzaldehyde with the H of CHO removed) joined by a peroxide group.

Uses

Benzoyl peroxide is highly effective in the treatment of most forms of acne. It is typically placed over the infected in gel or cream form, and in concentrations of 10% and lower. While it is not fully known how benzoyl peroxide works in fighting acne, it is presumed that benzoyl peroxide is easily absorbed into pores where it works by oxidizing bacteria that cause acne.

Benzoyl peroxide, like most peroxides, is a powerful bleaching agent. Another use for benzoyl peroxide is dyeing hair, and it is a common active ingredient in teeth whitening systems, especially in Europe where hydrogen peroxide is tightly regulated.