Sodium percarbonate
[CAS# 15630-89-4]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Carbides and carbonates
• Name: Sodium percarbonate
• Synonyms: Sodium carbonate hydrogen peroxide
• Molecular Formula: Na₂CO₃.1,5(H₂O₂)
• Molecular Weight: 157.01
• CAS Registry Number: 15630-89-4
• EC Number: 239-707-6
• SMILES: C(=O)([O-])[O-].C(=O)([O-])[O-].OO.OO.OO.[Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[Na+]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS03;GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H272-H302+H318
• Safety Statements: P210-P220-P264-P264+P265-P270-P280-P301+P317-P305+P354+P338-P317-P330-P370+P378-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Oxidising solids	Ox. Sol.	2	H272
Oxidising solids	Ox. Sol.	3	H272
Oxidising solids	Ox. Sol.	1	H271
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin mild irritation	Skin Mild Irrit. 99	3	H316
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	2	H401
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312

• Transport Information: UN 1479

Discovery and Applications

Sodium percarbonate, with the chemical formula 2Na2CO3·3H2O2, is a white, crystalline, water-soluble compound that consists of sodium carbonate (soda ash) and hydrogen peroxide. This chemical is often used as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bleaching agents and oxidizers. Sodium percarbonate has gained significant attention due to its ability to release oxygen when dissolved in water, making it an effective cleaning and bleaching agent in a variety of applications.

The discovery of sodium percarbonate dates back to the 19th century when researchers began exploring the potential uses of hydrogen peroxide in industrial applications. Early studies showed that hydrogen peroxide, a powerful oxidizing agent, could be stabilized by combining it with sodium carbonate. This led to the development of sodium percarbonate as a solid form of hydrogen peroxide that could be handled more safely and conveniently. It was recognized for its ability to release oxygen when activated by water, a reaction that made it valuable as a cleaner and bleaching agent.

Sodium percarbonate's primary application is in laundry detergents, where it serves as a bleaching agent to remove stains and brighten fabrics. When dissolved in water, sodium percarbonate breaks down into sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide, with the latter releasing oxygen. The oxygen then acts as a powerful bleaching agent, helping to lift stains and whiten clothing without the harshness of chlorine-based bleaches. This makes it particularly useful for color-safe cleaning, where the fabric needs to be brightened without the risk of damaging delicate materials. It is often included in both household and industrial cleaning formulations for its ability to disinfect and deodorize, in addition to its bleaching properties.

In addition to its use in laundry detergents, sodium percarbonate is employed in a range of cleaning products, including surface cleaners, bathroom cleaners, and dishwashing products. Its ability to break down grease, oils, and organic matter makes it highly effective for cleaning hard surfaces. It is also used in oxygen bleach formulations for cleaning carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics, offering a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bleach.

Sodium percarbonate is also valuable in the realm of environmental applications. Due to its ability to release oxygen, it is used in water treatment processes to break down organic contaminants and improve the overall water quality. It is also used in environmental remediation to help decontaminate soil and groundwater by promoting the breakdown of pollutants.

The safety and environmental benefits of sodium percarbonate make it an attractive alternative to traditional chlorine-based bleaching agents. It is considered less harmful to aquatic life and biodegradable, making it more sustainable and suitable for use in eco-friendly cleaning products. Furthermore, because it breaks down into water, oxygen, and soda ash, sodium percarbonate leaves behind no harmful residues.

In summary, sodium percarbonate is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications in cleaning, laundry, and environmental remediation. Its ability to release oxygen makes it an effective and environmentally friendly bleaching and cleaning agent, while its biodegradability and non-toxic nature make it a preferred choice for eco-conscious consumers and industries.

References

2024-09-15. Improving membrane distillation performance by Fe(II) activated sodium percarbonate oxidation during the treatment of shale gas produced water.
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122139

2024-06-21. Removal enhancement of persistent basic fuchsin dye from wastewater using an eco-friendly, cost-effective Fenton process with sodium percarbonate and waste iron catalyst.
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33845-2

2023-09-01. Efficient removal of chloroform from groundwater using activated percarbonate by cellulose nanofiber-supported Fe/Cu nanocomposites.
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120420