Calcium peroxide

Chembox new
Name = Calcium peroxide
ImageSize = 200px
ImageName = Calcium peroxide
OtherNames = E930
Section1 = Chembox Identifiers
CASNo = 1305-79-9
Section2 = Chembox Properties
Formula = CaO₂
MolarMass = 72.08 g/mol
Density = 2.9 g/cm³
Solvent =
SolubleOther =
MeltingPt = ~200 dec °C
BoilingPt = - °C
Appearance = white to yellow powder or solid

Calcium peroxide (CaO₂) is a solid peroxide with a white or yellowish color. For all practical purposes calcium peroxide is insoluble in water but will dissolve in acid to form hydrogen peroxide. When in contact with water it will immediately begin to decompose releasing oxygen.

Applications

Calcium peroxide is manufactured to varying specifications and purity and can be used in different areas of industry and agriculture. In agriculture it is used as an oxygen fertilizer, and is also used in the presowing treatments of rice seed. Also, calcium peroxide has found use in the aquaculture industry as it is used to oxygenate and disinfect water, and in the ecological restoration industry as it is used in the treatment of soils. Calcium Peroxide is used in a similar manner to magnesium peroxide for environmental restoration programs. It is used to restore soil and groundwater contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons by stimulating aerobic microbial degradation of the contaminants in a process known as Enhanced In-Situ Bioremediation.

As a food additive it has the E number E930 and is used as flour bleaching agent and improving agent.