benzoyl peroxide
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A white, crystalline chemical compound with the formula (C₆H₅CO)₂O₂. It is a powerful oxidizing agent used primarily as: 1. A bleaching agent: For whitening substances such as flour, edible oils, fats, and cheeses. 2. A medication: In topical treatments for acne, where it acts as an antiseptic and peeling agent. 3. An initiator/catalyst: In industrial chemistry to start (initiate) free radical polymerization reactions, which are crucial for producing plastics and resins.
Usage Examples
- As a bleaching agent:
- The manufacturer added a small amount of benzoyl peroxide to bleach the wheat flour.
- Regulations limit the concentration of benzoyl peroxide in food products.
- As a medication:
- For mild acne, dermatologists often recommend a wash containing 5% benzoyl peroxide.
- Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness and irritation when first applied to the skin.
- As a chemical initiator:
- The polymerization reaction requires benzoyl peroxide to decompose and form free radicals.
- Benzoyl peroxide is a common initiator in the production of polystyrene.
Advanced Usage
- Free Radical Formation: In chemistry, benzoyl peroxide is valued because it readily decomposes when heated to form benzoyloxy radicals (C₆H₅COO•). These highly reactive free radicals are what initiate chain reactions in polymerization.
- Acne Treatment Mechanism: Its effectiveness against acne is due to its antibacterial action against and its ability to cause mild peeling (keratolysis) of the skin, helping to unclog pores.
Variants and Related Words
- BPO: A common abbreviation for benzoyl peroxide, especially in medical and cosmetic contexts.
- Peroxide: A broader class of compounds containing an oxygen-oxygen single bond (O-O). Benzoyl peroxide is a specific organic peroxide.
- Free Radical Initiator: A functional term describing its primary role in industrial chemistry.
Synonyms
- Dibenzoyl peroxide (IUPAC name)
- BPO (Acronym)
- Acne medication (in a specific therapeutic context, e.g., "She uses a benzoyl peroxide cream.")
Related Phrases / Compounds
- Benzoyl peroxide gel: A common topical formulation for acne.
- Benzoyl peroxide wash: A medicated cleanser.
- Benzoyl peroxide concentration: Refers to the strength (e.g., 2.5%, 5%, 10%) of the medication.
- Benzoyl peroxide decomposition: The chemical process where it breaks down into free radicals.
Noun
- a white crystalline peroxide used in bleaching (flour or oils or fats) and as a catalyst for free radical reactions