Storage

Handling and Storing H2O2

$H_2O_2$ decomposes slowly on exposure to light, disproportionating into water and oxygen:

This decomposition is catalysed by metal surfaces and by traces of alkali (which can leach out of ordinary glass containers). For this reason $H_2O_2$ is stored in wax-lined glass or plastic containers, kept in the dark. A small amount of urea is often added as a stabiliser. Dust m …