Sodium peroxide

Sodium peroxide is a chemical compound made of sodium and peroxide ions. Its chemical formula is Na2O2. The molar mass is around 77.98 g/mol (anhydrous). It usually forms the octahydrate compound when hydrated. It appears as a yellow to white powder (anhydrous) or just white powder (octahydrate). It is a strong base.

Formation and reactions of sodium peroxide

It is made when sodium metal reacts with excess oxygen when heated to first make sodium oxide then to sodium peroxide.

The first step balanced chemical equation is:
4Na + O2 → Na2O
The second step balanced chemical equation is:
2Na2O + O2 → 2Na2O2

It can be also made (the octahydrate form) when sodium hydroxide reacts with hydrogen peroxide (and some water).

The balanced chemical equation is:
2NaOH + H2O2 + 6H2O → Na2O2 · 8H2O

It hydrolyzes in water to make sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide or oxygen depending on the temperature.

The balanced chemical equation (in cold water) is:
Na2O2 + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2O2
While the balanced chemical equation (in hot water) is:
2Na2O2 + 2H2O → 4NaOH + O2
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