benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical compound (specifically, an organic peroxide) with the structural formula (C6H5−C(=O)O−)2, often abbreviated as (BzO)2. The molecule can be described structurally as two benzoyl (C6H5−C(=O)−, Bz) groups connected by a peroxide (−O−O−). It is a white granular solid with a faint odour of benzaldehyde, poorly soluble in water but soluble in acetone, ethanol, and many other organic solvents. Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizer, which is principally used in the production of polymers. Benzoyl peroxide is mainly used in production of plastics and for bleaching flour, hair, plastics and textiles. As a bleach, it has been used as a medication and a water disinfectant. As a medication, benzoyl peroxide is mostly used to treat acne, either alone or in combination with other treatments. Some versions are sold mixed with antibiotics such as clindamycin. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as an over-the-counter and generic medication. It is also used in dentistry for tooth whitening. In 2021, it was the 284th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 700,000 prescriptions.