Potassium peroxide
# Potassium peroxide

Potassium peroxide is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula $K_2O_2.$ It is formed as potassium reacts with oxygen in the air, along with potassium oxide $(K_2O)$ and potassium superoxide $(KO_2).$

Potassium peroxide reacts with water to form potassium hydroxide and oxygen:

    ${\ce {2K2O2 + 2H2O -> 4KOH + O2 (^)}}$

## Properties

Potassium peroxide is a highly reactive, oxidizing white to yellowish solid which, while not flammable itself, reacts violently with flammable materials. It decomposes violently on contact with water. [1]

The standard enthalpy of formation of potassium peroxide is ΔH f 0 = −496 kJ/mol.

## Usage

Potassium Peroxide is used as an oxidizing agent and bleach (due to the peroxide), and to purify air.

