Question:
With the help of suitable examples, explain the property of H2O2 that is responsible for its bleaching action?
Solution:
H2O2 or hydrogen peroxide acts as a strong oxidizing agent both in acidic and basic media. It acts as a bleaching agent due to the release of nascent oxygen.
H2O2 ⇌ H2O + O
he nascent oxygen combines with colouring matter breaks the chemical bonds present, which in turn gets oxidised. Hence, the visible light is not absorbed and the cloth gets whitened.