Sodium Percarbonate
Other Names
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Sodium Carbonate Peroxide
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Solid Hydrogen Peroxide
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Oxygen Bleach
CAS Number: 15630-89-4
Chemical Formula: 2Na₂CO₃·3H₂O₂ (commonly represented as Na₂CO₃·1.5H₂O₂)
Molecular Weight: 157.01 g/mol
📘 1. Definition
Sodium Percarbonate is a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder that releases hydrogen peroxide and soda ash upon dissolution in water. It is a strong oxidizing agent and widely used as an eco-friendly bleaching agent, cleaning agent, and disinfectant. It is safer and easier to handle than concentrated liquid hydrogen peroxide because it is solid and stable at room temperature.
🧪 2. Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Na₂CO₃·1.5H₂O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 157.01 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Slight chlorine-like (from decomposition) |
| Solubility | Soluble in water (~21 g/100 mL at 20 °C) |
| Density | ~2.1 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | Decomposes before melting (~60–80 °C) |
| Stability | Stable when dry; decomposes in moisture and heat to release O₂ |
| Oxidizing Power | Strong oxidizer, releases hydrogen peroxide in water |
🧰 3. Applications / Uses
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Laundry & Detergents | Oxygen bleach for clothes, eco-friendly stain removal |
| Cleaning Products | Surface cleaners, degreasers, and household bleaching agents |
| Water Treatment | Disinfectant and oxidizer in water treatment |
| Textile & Paper | Bleaching agent for fabrics and pulp |
| Food Industry | Bleaching agent for flour (limited use) |
| Industrial Cleaning | Metal cleaning, sanitization, and bleaching |
| Environmental / Eco-friendly Products | Oxygen-based cleaning alternatives to chlorine bleaches |
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Releases active oxygen slowly in water, making it safe for consumer products.
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Preferred in eco-friendly formulations because it decomposes into water, oxygen, and soda ash.
⚠️ 4. Safety & Handling
| Hazard | Details |
|---|---|
| Oxidizer | Strong oxidizing agent; can intensify fires if in contact with flammable materials |
| Health Hazards | Irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory system |
| PPE | Gloves, goggles, protective clothing, and dust mask recommended |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, away from organic materials, acids, and heat |
| Handling | Avoid dust generation; avoid mixing with incompatible chemicals |
📌 5. Summary
Sodium Percarbonate is a solid oxygen-based bleach and oxidizer widely used in detergents, cleaning products, textiles, paper, water treatment, and eco-friendly applications. It is stable, safe to handle in solid form, and environmentally friendly because it decomposes into water, oxygen, and soda ash. Proper PPE and storage precautions are essential due to its oxidizing nature.
