Magnesium peroxide

This article does not have any sources. You can help Wikipedia by finding good sources, and adding them. (February 2026)

Magnesium peroxide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula MgO₂. This compound contains magnesium and peroxide ions. Its molar mass is around 56.304 g/mol. It is used to release oxygen gas when it reacts with water or moisture just like calcium peroxide.

Preparation

It is made when magnesium oxide reacts with hydrogen peroxide to make magnesium peroxide and water. This reaction usually occurs around 30 °C to 40 °C.

The balanced chemical equation is:

MgO + H₂O₂ → MgO₂ + H₂O

Reactions with magnesium peroxide

When magnesium peroxide reacts with water, it slowly makes magnesium hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide which decomposes to water and oxygen gas.

The first step balanced chemical equation is:

MgO₂ + 2H₂O → Mg(OH)₂ + H₂O₂

The second step balanced chemical equation is:

2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂

Related pages

• Sodium peroxide

This short article about chemistry can be made longer. You can help Wikipedia by adding to it.

1. ↑ Shand, Mark A. (2006-05-31). The Chemistry and Technology of Magnesia. Wiley. doi:10.1002/0471980579.