Question
What is the structure of hydrogen peroxide? Draw a schematic diagram indicating the shape of the molecule clearly.
Solution
The structure of hydrogen peroxide has been established by X-ray studies.
(i) The molecule of hydrogen peroxide is not planar. It is described as an ‘open book structure.
(ii) The O – O part of the molecule can be thought of as lying on the spine of a book open at an angle of 90°.
(iii) The hydrogen atoms are placed one on each cover.
(iv) The H – O bonds make an angle of about 101.5° with the O – O bond as shown.
(v) The O – O linkage present between two oxygen atoms is called peroxybond (peroxide linkage).
(vi) This O – O linkage results from a p-p overlap of the p-orbitals of the two oxygen atoms.
(vii) Each H – O bond results from an s-p overlap between s-orbital of hydrogen and p-orbital of the oxygen atom.
