Potassium peroxide

Potassium peroxide is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula K2O2.

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

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

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gas Flammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. water Instability 2: Undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures, reacts violently with water, or may form explosive mixtures with water. E.g. white phosphorus Special hazard W+OX: Reacts with water in an unusual or dangerous manner AND is oxidizer
Crystal structure