The primary "real name" or systematic name for hydrogen peroxide, according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), is Peroxol. This name is used in scientific contexts to provide an unambiguous and systematic description of its chemical structure.
Understanding Chemical Names
In the field of chemistry, substances often have multiple names. These can include a systematic name, which precisely describes the chemical's structure and composition, as well as various common or trivial names that are widely used in everyday language or specific industries. Hydrogen peroxide, commonly known for its uses in medicine and cleaning, is a prime example of a compound with several scientific descriptors in addition to its ubiquitous common name.
Key Names for Hydrogen Peroxide
While "hydrogen peroxide" is its most widely recognized common name, its systematic and other scientific names offer deeper insights into its chemical makeup. The table below outlines the different names associated with this important chemical compound:
| Name Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Systematic IUPAC | Peroxol |
| Other Scientific | Dioxidane |
| Oxidanyl | |
| Perhydroxic acid | |
| 0-hydroxyol | |
| Peroxaan | |
| Common/Descriptive | Oxygenated water |
The Systematic IUPAC name, Peroxol, is the official and most precise chemical name for hydrogen peroxide. It is derived from the naming rules set by IUPAC, which are designed to ensure global consistency and clarity in chemical nomenclature.
Other scientific names like Dioxidane are also used, specifically referring to its chemical structure H-O-O-H, which highlights the unique bond between the two oxygen atoms. "Oxygenated water" is a more descriptive, less formal term, reflecting its composition as water with an additional oxygen atom.
Identifying Hydrogen Peroxide
Beyond its various names, hydrogen peroxide can be uniquely identified by its globally recognized CAS Number: 7722-84-1. This identifier is a numerical assignment for chemical substances, ensuring precise identification regardless of different naming conventions or languages, and is crucial for regulatory and commercial purposes.
